November 16, 2020: Bonhams is offering one of the largest Geodes from Uruguay in Los Angeles on December 3 for its upcoming Bonhams Natural History Sale. The amethyst exudes various hues of lilac, rose and blue depending on the light. To add to the color, there is the presence of very rare yellow hemispherical calcite crystals. It is estimated to worth $300,000-400,000.
“For me an item of particular note is the spectacular fossil of an Eocene turtle. Superb preservation and beautiful natural coloration make this magnificent very large turtle specimen, from the famed Green River Formation in Wyoming, particularly special. It’s awe-inspiring size is matched only by its fine detail and astounding completeness,”said Tom Lindgren, Co-Director of the Natural History Department at Bonhams.
The auction house is also offering a Gem-Encrusted Malachite and Mother-Of-Pearl Chess Set by Konstatin Libman. The chess pieces are carved of malachite and white agate and are mounted with hand-fabricated silver. Estimated at $25,000-30,000, the pieces are accented with emeralds and peridots, as well as black and white cultured pearls.
Claudia Florian, Co-Director of the Natural History Department at Bonhams, said: “We are very excited to be offering so many fascinating items in our Natural History Sale. In all 5 sections, Dinosauria, Fossils, Meteorites, Minerals and Décor, there are rare and remarkable pieces from the Earth’s history before humankind. With a sale range of $500 to 300,000 this sale is suited to every bidder, from the seasoned collector to the enthusiast seeking to start a collection.’
Bonhams is also auctioning a Tyrannosaur Skeleton, 23 foot long and over 10 foot tall, meticulously produced of cast bones taken from a mould of the original specimen, and estimated to be worth $35,000-50,000.
A museum -display-ready representation of Megalodon jaws with teeth cast from original Megalodon teeth which is estimated to be $7,500-10,000 ,will be sold without a reserve.
And the final highlight of the sale is a rare Muonionalusta Iron Meteorite discovered in Norrbotten, Sweden in 1906. Muonionalusta was formed when two large asteroids were destroyed by collision in the asteroid belt billions of years ago. Muonionalusta is classified as a fine octahedrite and has one of the most beautiful Widmanstatten patterns when it is etched. Widmanstatten patterns form when the two alloys of nickel, kamacite and taenite, separate as the iron core cools at a rate of only a few degrees per million years. These patterns are not found in any materials on Earth. It is estimated at $25,000 to 30,000.
You can visit the Bonhams website to see the timeless pieces to be on sale on December 3, 2020 in Los Angeles.
