Amazonite

Amazonite is a valuable variety of microcline: green or green/blue in colour, it rarely occurs in massive aggregates, more often in well-formed crystals, with evident traces in the cleavage planes. 

 The color may result from the presence of lead impurities. High-quality crystals have recently been found near Pikes Peak, Colorado, where it is associated with smoky quartz. 

 During our trip to Colorado we visited the property of the Dorris family who welcomed us for an exploration in search of Amazonite that comes from their territories. An unforgettable experience among the colors and scents on the tips of Chrystal Peak, while the collection of crystals was combined with the emotion of the arrival, the wait for the discovery, the amazement of how much beauty nature offers and the joy of having shared a magical moment with two dear friends. 

Thanks from the bottom of my heart to the Dorris Family for their hospitality and for giving us the opportunity to live a unique experience.

Stones used: Amazonite, Brown Paonazzetto, Ortoclasio, Afyon for the background. 

Year of composition: 2023

Size: cm 32,5x23,5

Artist: Leonardo Scarpelli

An original and authentic hand-made artwork created whith the antique technique of Commesso Fiorentino which is unique for Florence.

Commesso Fiorentino was born with Medici family, one of the most important families in Florence, in the second half of 1500.

The research of the stones is made by the mosaicist that must be able to choose from a rich and wide range of shades and veins: for this reason the artists personally search and collect the stones retracing the paths of the Medici researchers.

The processing starts by drawing the subject on adhesive paper, that is then cut into small tamplates that will be attached to the variegated shades of the stones following the visual instinct, the innate gift of the artist and his perfect knowledge of the materials. The shape of the little piece will be cut by hand with a chestnut, cherry or hazelnut wood bow and an iron wire that flows with abrasive powder and water. It creates a very precise and inclined cut to form the essential spaces to accommodate the glue, made by artisans with beeswax and pine tree resin. The different stones are previously glued onto a slate surface which acts as a support during the cutting and filing phase. The various pieces which form the composition are adjusted in shape with diamond files, glued together so that the joints are invisible, flattened and finally polished in order to create a perfect decorative harmony showing the colors of nature in all their radiance.

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