LONDON – Christie’s presents Sculpted by Nature: Fossils, Minerals and Meteorites, an online-only auction dedicated to the naturally formed artworks created by tectonic forces on Earth and in outer Space. The fossilized remains of extinct animals and mineral specimens from over 3.4 billion years ago through to the Age of Dinosaurs will be offered.

The sale will be led by a sculptural Triceratops skull (estimate: £300,000–500,000), and one of the most recognisable dinosaurs. Discovered on private land in 2017 in Montana, USA, this partial skull is mounted in a profile view, and is offered with no reserve.

An additional highlight lot of the sale is a Pterosaur fossil (estimate: £60,000-90,000). Circa 145 million years old, this is a new finding from an undescribed genus of a flying reptile. A reconstruction to visualize the Pterosaur will also be offered alongside the fossil.

The sale will showcase an array of naturally occurring geological formations, including spectacular fossils, alongside fine mineral specimen and sculptural meteorites. These natural phenomena, some cut and polished to reveal their inner beauty,  hold a scientific curiosity and a sculptural quality. Notable pieces include a sculptural Iron Meteorite (estimate: £20,000-30,000) and a striking jet black Campos Del Cielo meteorite (estimate: £20,000-30,000).

Further sale highlights include a large Triceratops horn (estimate: £30,000-50,000), and trace fossil footprints of two bipedal Grallator sauclierensis dinosaurs of Ardèchen from the early Jurassic, circa 200 million years ago (estimate: £10,000-15,000).

A remarkable range of fossils, preserved to an exceptional standard feature, including a monumental plaque of fossilized scallops (estimate: £20,000-30,000). An exciting array of gogotte formations are on offer including a very large formation from the Oligocene, circa 30 million years ago (estimate: £40,000-60,000) and an impressive selection of minerals from across the globe, including a green Malachite Slice (estimate: £800-1,200), an Amethyst Geode Sphere (estimate: £1,000-2,000) and a stunning Large Slice of Watermelon Tourmaline (estimate: £6,000-9,000).