Round cabochon of dendritic agate with "tiger" pattern — black dendrites on a gray background — Selected at a wholesale lapidary market. Available in 32 mm (5 mm height) and 38 mm (6 mm height). Each piece is a different geological composition.
Item Details
| Mineral |
Dendritic Agate (microcrystalline chalcedony with dendritic inclusions of iron and manganese oxides) |
| Dimensions |
Format 1: diam. 32 × 5 mm · Format 2: diam. 38 × 6 mm. Variation of ±0.5 mm due to hand carving. |
| Shape and Back |
Round, flat polished back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
6.5-7 Mohs — resistant to daily wear; suitable for statement rings and pendants |
| Origin |
Indonesia |
| Treatment |
No treatment. Entirely natural dendritic pattern |
| Item Type |
Unique piece per variant |
This specific piece
The round shape has a completely different interpretation than the teardrop: the dendrites are distributed in a circular field without an imposed direction, allowing the composition to be more "picture-like".
The low height (5-6 mm) with that diameter gives a very flat and elegant profile when set, minimizing projection from the hand or chest. This piece looks good in shallow settings, without a prominent bail.
How dendrites are formed
Dendrites in agate are precipitations of iron or manganese oxides that crystallized in the microfractures of chalcedony as it solidified.
What mounting it works for
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Statement ring (925 silver or other precious metals) — the 32-38 mm diameter format is large; ideal for a signet ring in silver, either in a shallow bezel or with a carved setting. The 6.5-7 Mohs hardness is perfectly suitable for daily wear.
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Central pendant — the 38 mm round as a pendant gives a "medallion" result; the 32 mm is more discreet. Both admit a simple bail or integrated construction.
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Wire wrap — the flat back and wide diameter facilitate basic wrapping; the dendrites on the gray field contrast very well with oxidized black wire or copper.
Dendritic agate in lapidary tradition
Agate is one of the minerals with the oldest documented lapidary use: Mesopotamian seals carved in agate are preserved in the British Museum, more than 4,000 years old.
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 dendritic agate
Genuine agate is cold to the touch and cannot be scratched with fingernails. Authentic dendrites are three-dimensional — depth in the pattern can be seen under a 10x loupe. Resin imitations are lighter, can be scratched with a key, and show flat, printed dendrites.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 32 mm and 38 mm?
In addition to size, the larger format (38 mm) has more space for the dendritic pattern, which typically means more complex compositions. Both have a flat back and mirror polish.
Are these pieces treated?
No detectable treatment. The black on gray pattern is a natural property of the mineral, resulting from the precipitation of metallic oxides during agate formation. Statement based on lapidary observation; no formal gemological certification.
Is it suitable for an everyday ring?
Yes. The 6.5-7 Mohs hardness makes it resistant to everyday scratches. For a heavily used ring, we recommend a bezel setting that covers the edges of the piece, protecting the perimeter of the cabochon.
Are the dimensions exact?
The stated diameter (32 or 38 mm) is the reference. As they are hand-carved, there may be a variation of ±0.5 mm. The height (5 or 6 mm) may also vary slightly.
Can round agate be confused with onyx?
Black onyx is uniform colored chalcedony without dendrites. This piece has a gray background (not uniform black) and branched white dendrites as a distinguishing element. If there are no visible dendrites, it is not dendritic agate.
How is it cared for?
Water and neutral soap. Avoid harsh acids and detergents. Complete guide in jewelry care.
See also: all cabochons · handmade silver rings.
