Description
Finely carved frog “section carving” of top quality Tanzanian ruby and zoisite (with glass eyes) with removable base of white calcite (calcium carbonate) and black basanite (igneous volcanic rock).
Dimensions: (frog with the base is 2.6″ tall) ~ (the base is 3.3″ at its widest)
Weight: (frog alone is .14 lbs) ~ (base alone is .58 lbs) ~ (frog with base is .72 lbs)
Hand carved in: China
Ruby-Zoisite (or ruby in zoisite), also called Anyolite, is a natural combination of opaque Ruby (a red variety of corundum (aluminum oxide)) and Zoisite (Calcium Aluminum Silicate hydroxide). Ruby-zoisite is usually speckled with black hornblende minerals. This unique, colorful, ornamental stone is found exclusively in Tanzania, Africa.
“Section Carving” is a complex and difficult art to master. Defined as carving both the base and the subject from the same stone in one piece, the master carver must know not only carving techniques, but also the intricacies of the stone. Some inclusions or fault may not be visible until the carving is underway. The carver must then be prepared to alter the design immediately. Usually a sketch is drawn before the carving is begun, with alternate drawings to refer to should unexpected weak spots appear. While it takes eight to ten years to become a master carver, another three years or more are required to become proficient in section carving.
