Bidspirit auction | Brutalist Mid-Century Modern Chalcedony Druzy

Brutalist Mid-Century Modern Chalcedony Druzy Stalactite Slice Brooch - This hand-wrought Brutalist-style brooch features a natural mineral specimen centerpiece. The specimen is a cross-section slice of a chalcedony stalactite, often commercially referred to as a druzy rosette or solar quartz. It displays concentric growth rings in opaque white and translucent gray with a central hollow core. The surface of the stone is covered in fine, sparkling druzy quartz crystals, particularly within the central void and around the outer perimeter of the slice. The stone is held in an organic, textured metal setting of golden-yellow hue. The design incorporates multiple undulating, root-like arms that wrap around the edges of the specimen and extend outward. The reverse of the brooch is fitted with a metal pin stem and a rolling barrel safety clasp. No maker marks, hallmarks, or metal purity stamps are visible on any part of the mount or pin mechanism. Overall width across the widest point of the arms: 2.25 inches Overall height: 2 inches Length of mineral specimen: 1 inch. The brooch is in excellent vintage condition. The chalcedony specimen is intact with no visible chips, fractures, or losses to the crystalline druzy areas or the polished face (photos 1, 2, and 3). The metal setting shows light surface wear and minor tarnish consistent with age (photos 4 and 5). The pin mechanism is functional, with a straight stem and a smooth-operating safety clasp (photo 4).