Gemstone Mural and Reliefs
In the 1970s, Australian artist John Hablitschek pioneered a unique form of gemstone art, creating large-scale gemstone murals and reliefs using chrysoprase, rhodonite, tiger-eye, amethyst, turquoise and other semi-precious stones. Inspired by the techniques he developed while creating gemstone coffee tables for members of the British Royal Family, these works transformed raw minerals into sculptural artworks unlike anything being produced in Australia at the time.s/Reliefs
Following the Royal Family commission, John began experimenting with gemstones on a larger scale. Working largely in his spare time, he spent years developing techniques for cutting, shaping and arranging semi-precious stones into large relief artworks. Each mural was handcrafted and designed to celebrate the colour, texture and natural beauty of the stones themselves.
1. Spring - Gemstone mural created from Australian chrysoprase. Dimensions: 124cm × 95cm. Weight: 29kg.
2. lrrgarten (124 cm x 95 cm) Rhodonite, 38 kg
3. Tiger gorge (125 cm x 63 cm) Tiger-eye, 25 kg
4. Fertility Dance (125 cm x 63 cm) Chrysophrase & Lemon Chrysophrase, 19 kg
5. Man at Work (123 cm x 61 cm) Chrysophrase, Rhodonite, Amethyst & Turquoise 17 kg
6. Spanish Composition (125 cm x 63 cm) Chrysophrase, Rhodonite, Amethyst & Turquoise 17 kg
7. The Merchants (122 cm x 60 cm) Rhodonite & Chrysophrase, 16 kg
8. Aztecs (122cm x 60cm) Rhodonite & Chrysophrase 16kg
9. Dreaming (95 cm x 55 cm) Chrysophrase, Tiger-eye, Rhodonite, Prehnite, 9 kg
10. Traders (96 cm x 54 cm) Chrysophrase & Rhodonite, 12 kg
11. Abstract Australia (125cm x 63cm) Rhodonite 22kg
12. Rhodenite Moons (108 cm x 63 cm) Rhodonite, 20 kg
13. Warrior (108 cm x 62 cm) Chrysophrase, Lemon Chrysophrase & Tiger-eye, 17 kg
14. The Craters (108 cm x 62 cm) Chrysophrase 15 kg
15. The Dancer (108 cm x 62 cm) Chrysophrase & Chalcedony, 18 kg
16. Log Gems (121 cm x 61 cm) Rhodonite, 15 kg
17. The Circle-gemstone mural created from Australian rhodonite, amethyst, and rose quartz 125 cm x 63 cm 22kg
18. Gemstone mural created with Australian Lemon chrysoprase, Chrysoprase and tiger eye. Dimensions 125cm x 63 cm
19. Natura - gemstone mural created from Chrysoprase. Dimensions 125cm x63cm 19kg unavailable
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a gemstone mural?
A gemstone mural is a large-scale relief artwork created using semi-precious stones arranged into a sculptural composition.
What gemstones are used in these works?
John's murals feature chrysoprase, rhodonite, tiger-eye, turquoise, amethyst, prehnite and other natural gemstones.
When were these gemstone murals created?
Most were created during the 1970s and represent an important period in John's artistic development.
Are the gemstone murals available for purchase?
Some works remain available for private collectors and corporate display arrangements.
Available for Private Collections and Corporate Display
Several original gemstone murals remain available for acquisition. Selected works may also be available through corporate rental and display agreements. For enquiries regarding purchase, exhibition or corporate installation, please contact us.