French Natural Specimens

'Louis XIV' Gogotte Formation Measures: circa 30 Million y/o 105 x 76 x 15 cm A magnificent example of a gogotte formation, nicknamed Louis XIV, composed of thick swirls and folds of sparkling sandstone. Discovered in the Oligocene sand dunes of Fontainebleau, France, formed circa 30 million years before present or later. The incredible, almost otherworldly appearance of gogottes may easily be mistaken for the work of a most talented artist. In fact, these sandstone sculptures are entirely natural in origin. They have been found in multiple locations but those from Fontainebleau, such as the present example, are the most remarkable. Thirty-five million years ago, a sea covered what is now the forest of Fontainebleau, and dunes of exceptionally fine and homogenous sand formed. As silica-rich water filtered through this sand, it turned into stone. The flow of water finely modelled the sandstone into the forms we now know as gogottes. These are rare and are only found sporadically, several metres buried underground. They owe their sparkling white appearance to the extreme and unmatched purity of the Fontainebleau sand, sometimes reaching a composition of 99.9% silica. Each of them is unique – a masterpiece slowly fashioned by the hands of Nature. The name “gogotte” was coined by French geologist Claude Guillemin (1923- 1994), inspired by the children’s book series Babar the Elephant...

Gogotte formation circa 30 Million y/o Measures : 42 x 21 x 63 cm. A magnificent example of a gogotte formation, composed of thick swirls and fo...

With detachable fronds. Nickel plated metal. Dimensions variable.

Tall 3/4 circle brass structure holding a meteorite fragment (5kg) from Campo del Cielo, Argentina. The meteorite is held in place by a strong rare ear...

Finely crafted deer head executed in .950 silver, the antlers and chest are adorned with small crystal prisms, raised on a rock crystal cluster. Incised “Mellerio” “AMADOR NO. 10-25...