Kinetic desk spinner in silver-tone metal alloy — GRAVITAS
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In the box
- 1 GRAVITAS desk spinner in silver-tone metal alloy
All you need to know
Metal alloy Kinetic object GRAVITAS is a kinetic desk top that seems to play with gravity. This small square of silver-colored metal alloy, with a pyramid point on top, fits in the palm of your hand: about 3.8 × 3.8 cm and weighing around fifty grams. A flick of the finger is all it takes to launch it: it spins on its edge, tips over, rights itself, and whirls across the desk in a hypnotic motion before falling flat. Its sand-finished surface catches the light and highlights the pyramid's edges. No batteries, no electronics: only the balance between the momentum given, the shape of the object, and the physics of rotation. Placed near a keyboard, it is a desk object to handle during a break or while thinking, and a lovely demonstration of mechanics to share. GRAVITAS is sold in silver, in a square format.
Rotation and tipping: the physics of a dancing square
When an object is launched spinning on one of its edges, it retains its angular momentum for a while: this is what allows a top or a coin to stay upright as long as it spins fast. GRAVITAS adds a difficulty, its pyramidal shape: its center of gravity is not in the middle of its thickness, so that as it slows down, it tips from one edge to another instead of simply falling.
The choice of a dense metal alloy gives it enough mass to store momentum from a simple flick, and sharp edges that roll cleanly across the desk.
Why you will love it
The GRAVITAS spirit
A little challenge to gravity
In Latin, gravitas means weight, seriousness, dignity. There is a touch of irony in giving this name to an object that spends its time whirling around: a very heavy metal square that, with a simple flick, starts to dance on its edges.
You place it next to the screen. During a call or when an idea is slow to come, you launch it. It spins, hesitates, tips over, rights itself, and your eye follows it until its final turn. Then you start again, trying to make it spin a little longer.
It is an object with no complicated instructions, which speaks of mechanics without saying it and makes every colleague want to try their luck.
The 4-step launch
Our desk physics objects
| Criterion | GRAVITAS | AXIOME | NOLAN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Principle | Rotation and tipping | Sphere balanced on a ribbon | Gyroscopic effect |
| Material | Metal alloy | Zinc alloy | Metal |
| Format | 3.8 cm square | 6.5 or 7.7 cm high | Precision top |
| Launch | Flick on a corner | Momentum from the fingertips | Rotation between the fingers |
| Battery or electronics | No | No | No |
Good to know: the duration of rotation depends on the surface and the motion. A hard, smooth surface allows it to spin longer than a mouse pad or a tablecloth. For a sphere that seems to float in balance, also discover the AXIOME top, and for a more classic perpetual motion, the Newton's pendulum.
Tip: on a varnished wooden or glass desk, place a rigid mouse pad to avoid the small marks left by the metal edges. Wiping it with a microfiber cloth from time to time is enough to keep the sand finish clean.
Technical specifications
| Type | Kinetic desk top |
| Shape | Square, pyramid point on top |
| Material | Metal alloy |
| Finish | Silver, sand finish |
| Dimensions | About 3.8 × 3.8 cm |
| Weight | About 52 g |
| Operation | Manual, by flicking |
| Battery / electronics | None |
| Recommended surface | Hard, smooth, and flat |
| Recommended age | 14 years and up |
| Contents | 1 GRAVITAS top |
Note: GRAVITAS is a small metal object with sharp edges: it is suitable for adults and teenagers from 14 years old, and must be kept out of reach of young children, who could put it in their mouth. Do not throw it at a person or near a screen. The dimensions and weight are given as an indication and may vary slightly.
The little desk gift that makes a splash
Elegant, intriguing, and affordable, GRAVITAS is a desk gift that appeals to curious minds: for a birthday, Father's Day, Christmas, or a farewell party, for an engineer colleague, a geometric design enthusiast, or a physics fan.
For a more substantial gift, pair it with another curiosity from the Physics & Motion collection, such as the AXIOME top or a pendulum.
To pair with
Frequently asked questions
How does this desk top work?
GRAVITAS is launched with a simple flick. Standing on one of its edges, it starts to spin under the impulse of the finger. Thanks to its pyramid point shape, its center of gravity is offset: as it loses speed, it tips from one edge to another, rights itself, and whirls before falling flat. There is no motor, battery, or magnet: everything depends on the momentum given and the laws of rotation.
What material is it made of?
GRAVITAS is made of a dense and pleasant-to-handle metal alloy, with a silver sand finish that catches the light and highlights the pyramid's edges. This weight of about 52 g is essential: it gives the object enough inertia to spin for several seconds from a simple gesture. To maintain it, a dry microfiber cloth is enough; avoid abrasive products that could mark the finish. The metal withstands repeated handling well, but a fall on a hard floor can mark an edge.
What size is it?
GRAVITAS measures about 3.8 × 3.8 cm and weighs around fifty grams. It fits in the palm of your hand and easily slips into a pocket, case, or desk drawer. This small format makes it a discreet companion: you place it next to the keyboard or phone, and launch it during a break. The measurements are indicative and may vary by a few millimeters. Despite its small size, it has a reassuring weight in hand.
On what surface does it spin best?
It spins the longest on a hard, smooth, and perfectly flat surface: wooden desk, glass table, laminate top, or rigid mouse pad. On a soft surface like a mouse pad, tablecloth, or sofa, the rotation stops much faster. To protect a varnished or glass piece of furniture from the small marks left by the edges, a rigid mouse pad is a good idea. Also avoid slanted or cluttered surfaces, which interrupt the rotation. With a little practice, you quickly learn to time the flick to prolong the dance.
Does it help you relax or concentrate?
GRAVITAS is above all a desk object to handle and a little demonstration of physics. Many like to spin it with their fingertips during a break, a call, or a moment of reflection, simply for the pleasure of the gesture and the motion. We attribute no special properties to it: it is a mechanical curiosity, to be appreciated for its design and for the dance it performs with every launch. It can be handled silently, without disturbing those around you.
What is the difference with the AXIOME top?
Both objects are launched by hand and work without batteries. AXIOME spins a sphere balanced on top of a metal ribbon, giving the illusion that it floats; it stays in place on its base. GRAVITAS is a compact square that spins on its edges, tips over, and moves across the desk. Choose AXIOME for a decorative object to place, GRAVITAS for a more playful pocket object. Both also make a lovely desk duo.
Is it a good gift idea?
Yes, it is an original and affordable desk gift, which intrigues from the first launch. It makes a colleague, engineer, student, or geometric design enthusiast happy, for a birthday, Father's Day, Christmas, or a departure. It is suitable from 14 years old. For a more complete gift, pair it with another curiosity from the Physics & Motion collection, such as the AXIOME top or a Newton's pendulum. Its small format also allows you to give it as a complement to another present.
