This week exploring the weird and wonderful natural phenomena that are gogottes. Beautifully formed lumps of rock, their existence is nothing but pure fortune, perfect conditions over millions of years is what created these masterful pieces.
How Are Gogottes Formed?
Gogottes are among nature’s most breathtaking formations composed almost entirely of silica. These extraordinary concretions, found in the Fontainebleau region of Northern France, have captivated collectors, artists, and scientists alike. But how are Gogottes formed, and what makes them so unique?
The Origins of Gogottes
The story of Gogottes begins in the Oligocene Period, around 30 million years ago. During this time, vast deposits of fine-grained sand accumulated in what is now Northern France. However, the true transformation of these sands into Gogottes would not occur until much later - during the Quaternary Period, spanning multiple glaciations.
Between 300,000 and 30,000 years ago, silica-rich groundwater began to percolate through the Fontainebleau sands. As the water flowed through the layers, the dissolved silica acted as a natural cement, gradually binding the grains of sand together. Over thousands of years, the silica precipitated out of solution, forming delicate swirling patterns and creating the fluid, cloud-like shapes that define Gogottes today.
What Makes Gogottes Unique?
While sandstone concretions can be found in various locations around the world, the Gogottes of Fontainebleau stand apart due to their pure composition of up to 99.9% silica. Gogottes are chemically identical to quartz crystals, making them some of the purest natural concretions in existence. The sand particles in Gogottes are remarkably small and uniform, resulting in an unusually smooth texture. Unlike typical concretions, which tend to be spherical or irregular, Gogottes exhibit swirling, almost liquid-like forms, sculpted by the slow movement of mineral-rich water over thousands of years. Most Gogottes are white or light grey, but occasional red and brown hues emerge due to the presence of iron oxides, while black specks indicate manganese oxides.
Gogottes in History
Gogottes at Versailles
Gogottes have long been admired for their natural elegance. In the 17th century, they caught the attention of King Louis XIV of France, who incorporated them into the Bousquet des Trois Fontaines (Grove of the Three Fountains) at the Palace of Versailles. The famed landscape architect André Le Nôtre used these surreal formations to enhance the gardens’ theatrical and dreamlike ambiance.
Scientific Discovery and the Name “Gogotte”
Although Gogottes were first scientifically documented in the 18th century by François de Lassone, a court physician to Marie Antoinette, their modern name was coined much later. The geologist Claude Guillemin (1923–1994) drew inspiration from the Babar children’s books, in which "Gogottes" were playful round creatures. The Fontainebleau concretions reminded him of these whimsical forms, and the name stuck.
Gogottes in Art and Collecting
Gogottes have been a source of inspiration for artists and collectors due to their abstract and sculptural qualities. Their forms echo the aesthetics of modernist and surrealist sculpture, drawing comparisons to works by artists like Jean Arp and Henry Moore.
In recent years, significant Gogottes have been sold at major auctions and acquired by prominent museums. The Gogottes exhibited at Andipa are exceptional specimens, sourced directly from the Fontainebleau sand dunes. These pieces offer collectors a chance to own a fragment of Earth’s sculptural artistry.
The Enduring Fascination with Gogottes
The formation of Gogottes is a testament to the power of geological time and natural forces. From their origins in ancient sands to their transformation by mineral-rich waters, these formations embody the delicate balance between random chance and structural harmony. Whether admired for their scientific significance, artistic beauty, or historical value, Gogottes remain a compelling link between nature’s artistry and human creativity.
Explore our exclusive collection of Gogottes at Andipa. Own a piece of nature’s finest sculpture, formed over millennia in the sands of Fontainebleau.
