Teardrop-shaped Botswana Agate cabochon, a unique numbered piece. The concentric pink-gray-white banding characteristic of this mineral — the finest of African agates — runs across the surface in translucent layers that capture the light. The teardrop silhouette is the natural format for Botswana Agate for solitaire pendants and statement earrings in 925 silver.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Botswana Agate (microcrystalline chalcedony, banded agate variety) |
| Dimensions |
Range of available pieces: 20–33 mm long × 15–22 mm wide × 5–6 mm thick. Consult exact dimensions for the selected variant. |
| Shape and Back |
Teardrop, flat polished back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
6.5–7 Mohs — suitable for daily wear as a pendant and earring |
| Origin |
Botswana (Southern Africa) |
| Treatment |
No detectable treatment. Natural color due to trace minerals from the deposit |
| Piece Type |
Unique numbered piece (select number in variants) |
This Specific Piece
The teardrop silhouette concentrates the Botswana Agate's banding along two axes: bands running along the long axis of the teardrop create a converging layer effect towards the tip, and those crossing the short axis produce a color gradient visible from the side.
The size range (20–33 mm long) covers the spectrum from a compact everyday pendant to a statement solitaire for formal occasions. Larger variants have a significant visual presence even from a distance.
How Botswana Agate is Formed
See the corresponding section in the rectangular and oval cabochon description. For the teardrop shape specifically: in the lapidary cutting process, the teardrop is cut by orienting the tip towards the area of the mineral with the most interesting color, and the wide base of the teardrop towards the outside of the nodule.
What Mountings It Works For
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Teardrop pendant with silver setting — the teardrop is the classic solitaire pendant format: it hangs vertically with the point downwards, the horizontal banding creates visual depth, and the silhouette works for any neckline.
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Asymmetrical teardrop earrings — a single teardrop in a long asymmetrical earring is a strong personality choice for jewelers working in contemporary design.
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Wire wrap with cage structure — the teardrop is one of the most popular formats in wire wrap due to its organic silhouette and good visual balance point.
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Macrame — for pieces 30–33 mm, the weight and thickness (5–6 mm) are ideal for macrame pendants on cotton or linen cord.
Botswana Agate in History
See section in the rectangular and oval cabochon description.
In crystal tradition, teardrop-shaped Botswana Agate is associated with emotional cleansing and flow — the shape of a water drop carrying away what is no longer needed.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.
How to Recognize Genuine Botswana Agate
See criteria in the rectangular and oval cabochon description. For the teardrop: genuine Botswana teardrop silhouettes have a relatively sharp point (not rounded like stylized glass teardrops) and the dome edges show the natural transition between the mineral layers. Glass or resin teardrops do not have visible banding on the side of the dome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the pieces individually photographed?
Yes. Each numbered variant corresponds to a piece individually photographed in the product description, allowing you to evaluate the banding pattern before selecting. The numbering (13, 14, 15, 16...) is from the batch and will be maintained in the shipment.
Can I order a pair of teardrops for earrings?
We can try to find two similarly sized pieces from the same batch if available. Contact us before adding to your cart to confirm availability of pairs.
See also: all our cabochons · handmade pendants · mineral blog.
