Oval dendritic tiger agate cabochon, 34x24x5 mm, flat back. Semi-transparent amber-caramel base with black and brown dendrites in natural branching patterns. Hardness 6.5-7 Mohs. Unique piece for a statement ring, pendant, or brooch in 925 silver.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Dendritic Tiger Agate (Amber chalcedony with dendritic oxides, SiO?) |
| Dimensions |
34x24x5 mm (0.5 mm) |
| Shape and Back |
Freeform oval, flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polished front; smooth reverse |
| Hardness |
6.5-7 Mohs - we recommend closed bezel setting |
| Origin |
Material acquired at a wholesale lapidary market |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Piece Type |
Unique piece |
This specific piece
The 34x24 mm oval shape is large enough to be the centerpiece of a statement ring or pendant without reaching the difficult-to-mount format of pieces larger than 40 mm. The dendritic pattern covers approximately 60% of the surface with medium density branching. The base has a warm translucency that is well activated by light from behind or below.
The 5 mm thickness allows for a 0.8-1.0 mm sheet bezel without stability issues. For a ring, the 34x24 mm proportion fits finger sizes from 16 mm upwards.
How tiger dendrites are formed
The "tiger" variant owes its amber base to dispersed micro-inclusions of iron oxides in the chalcedony. Once the base agate solidified, manganese-rich solutions penetrated through microfissures and precipitated the visible black-brown dendritic oxides. The process required very specific temperature and pressure conditions to produce fractal branching instead of diffuse spots.
What mounting works
-
Statement ring in 925 silver bezel - the 34x24 mm oval is the classic format for a large stone ring; 0.8-1.0 mm bezel with flat base.
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Pendant with integrated bail - vertically (34 mm high) it hangs with a balanced proportion; horizontally it gives a more modern profile.
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Oval wire wrap - the continuous perimeter without angles allows for uniform wrapping with 22-24 gauge wire.
Dendritic agate in lapidary tradition
Dendritic agate was known in Europe as "arborescent agate" and worked in the workshops of Idar-Oberstein (Germany) since the 15th century for intaglios and cameos. The variant with an amber base (tiger) was historically more valued than those with a white base. It is culturally associated with the cycles of nature and clarity of thought. Symbolic properties shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
How to recognize genuine dendritic agate
Genuine amber base has irregular translucency with internal variations - dyed glass is too uniform. Real dendrites are visible from oblique angles because they are inside the chalcedony, not on the surface. The weight (~2.6 g/cm) is higher than that of light resins and glass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this agate come from?
Material acquired at a wholesale lapidary market. Dendritic tiger agate primarily comes from India and Indonesia; the lot does not include a certificate of origin per piece.
Is it a unique piece?
Yes. The dendritic pattern is unrepeatable.
What ring size is it suitable for?
The 34x24 mm oval is comfortable for finger sizes from 16 mm upwards (Spanish size 16-20 approximately). For smaller sizes, it may be too bulky.
What are the exact dimensions?
Nominal: 34x24x5 mm. Tolerance 0.5 mm in any dimension.
Does the translucency vary with light?
Yes. With transmitted light, the amber base is activated and the dendrites gain contrast. With reflected light, the effect is more discreet.
How to care for it?
Warm water and mild soap. Dry before storing. See jewelry and mineral care guide.
See also: all cabochons. More about dendritic agate on the mineral properties blog.
