Estimates do not reflect the final hammer price and do not include buyer's premium, any applicable taxes or artist's resale right. Please see the Conditions of Sale for full details.
This lot is offered by Christie Manson & Woods Ltd
Christie Manson & Woods Ltd
8 King Street, St. James's, London, SW1Y 6QT, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)20 7839 9060
Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 2869
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Lot Essay
The opal like iridescence of these ammonites from Alberta, Canada has been termed ammolite, and since 1981 has had the status of a gemstone. The shimmering, metallic colours were caused by the combination of millions of years of compression and the mineralization of iron, copper and silica which precipitated from volcanic ash. The opalescent layers of colour are particularly prized in the Chinese philosophical system of Feng-Shui. The ammonites are a group of molluscs that lived in the seas from the mid-Devonian (approximately 400 million years ago) to the end of the Cretaceous (65 million years ago). The sequence of events that famously killed off the dinosaurs also drove the ammonites to extinction. The present specimen is not only one of the largest examples to be offered by Christie's in recent years, its preserved shell also features extraordinary polychromy across the shell - especially blues and purples - that are usually found only as trace elements in similar specimens.
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Condition report
A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.
The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.
Overall in outstanding condition, especially for such a large specimen, one of the best examples we have seen. The iridescent surface of the single specimen intact with only the usual hairline cracks commensurate with extraction from quarry, a few unobtrusive chipped areas infilled to stabilise the surface, as is always seen with these ammonites. The specimen firmly supported on bespoke stand, itself in excellent condition.
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Lot 167Sale 19887
BEARPAW FORMATION, CANADAA LARGE IRIDESCENT AMMONITEEstimate: GBP 100,000 - 150,000
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