Balam: Monumental Hand-Carved Brazilian Smoky Quartz Sculpture With Natural Elestial Formation

Details

Description

Carved from a singular Brazilian quartz formation weighing approximately 190 pounds (86 kg), Balam is a museum-quality sculptural work distinguished … Read more Carved from a singular Brazilian quartz formation weighing approximately 190 pounds (86 kg), Balam is a museum-quality sculptural work distinguished by an exceptionally rare pairing of refined craftsmanship and untouched geological history. The polished front reveals a remarkable ceremonial figure emerging from luminous quartz, while the reverse preserves an extraordinary natural elestial (skeletal) quartz formation—creating two entirely different viewing experiences within a single work of art.

The face displays a captivating ombré transition, beginning in luminous clear quartz before gradually deepening into delicate smoky tones near the crown. Throughout the carving, abundant internal fractures produce prominent natural rainbows that ignite as light moves across the sculpture, while a naturally occurring clear quartz "feather" remains preserved along one side—another reminder of the exceptional mineral specimen beneath the artistry.

One side celebrates the mastery of the artisan.

The other preserves the mastery of the Earth.

Unlike traditional carvings where the entire specimen is shaped and polished, Balam retains its untouched reverse—a dramatic natural elestial formation composed of layered smoky quartz terminations ranging from pale translucent gray to richly saturated smoky hues. This uncommon convergence of sculpture and specimen allows the viewer to experience both the intentional beauty of human craftsmanship and millions of years of uninterrupted crystal growth within the same extraordinary piece.

Acquired from a private mineral collection, Balam represents a rare intersection of fine mineral collecting, sculptural artistry, and museum-quality natural history. Whether displayed as a defining focal point within a luxury interior, a curated mineral collection, or a gallery setting, it possesses a quiet authority that commands attention without demanding it.

The name Balam is inspired by the ancient Maya word for "jaguar," a symbol of guardianship, wisdom, transformation, and sovereign strength. Revered as a being capable of moving between the physical and spiritual worlds, the jaguar serves as a fitting namesake for a sculpture that itself exists between two worlds: refined artistry on one side and untouched natural formation on the other.

The sculpture is presented on a newly refinished removable powder-coated steel display stand, professionally sanded and powder coated to provide exceptional stability while allowing the quartz itself to remain the unmistakable focal point.

Dimensions
Crystal Only
Height: 32 in.
Width: 16¾ in.
Depth: 10 in. (maximum)

Overall Dimensions (Including Display Stand)
Height: 62 in. (5 ft. 2 in.)
Width: 24 in.
Depth: 24 in.

Weight
Approximately 190 lbs. (86 kg) See less