Teal-green amazonite cabochon in a 30x7-8 mm crescent shape, domed on both sides. The moon silhouette and characteristic feldspar color make it especially suitable for handcrafted pendants in 925 silver.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Amazonite (microcline variety amazonite, potassium feldspar) |
| Dimensions |
30 x 7-8 mm (width x thickness) |
| Shape and Back |
Crescent, domed on both sides (not flat back) |
| Finish |
Mirror polish on the entire surface |
| Hardness |
6-6.5 Mohs - we recommend closed bezel setting for pendants in regular use |
| Origin |
Material acquired in wholesale market |
| Treatment |
No detectable treatment |
| Piece Type |
Unique piece, freeform crescent shape |
About This Specific Piece
The crescent silhouette is carved with regular curves but not perfectly symmetrical - the inner curvature may vary slightly, which accentuates the handcrafted character. The color is medium green with visible white-beige veining on both the face and edges.
The key technical detail: this cabochon is domed on both sides, with no flat back. The setting must encase the piece from the sides - an open-backed bezel or wire wrap that surrounds the entire perimeter.
How Amazonite's Color Forms
The blue-green color comes from traces of lead (Pb²?) incorporated into the microcline crystal lattice during crystallization in granitic pegmatites. The white veins are natural intergrowth of albite, a sodium feldspar that grows together with microcline during the slow cooling of the rock. This pattern is completely natural and varies from one area to another of the same piece.
What Setting It Works For
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Closed bezel in 925 silver - since it is domed on both sides, the bezel must be 3-4 mm high to surround the edge without pressing only on the top face.
-
Wire wrap - the crescent shape is classic for moon pendants; the wire naturally distributes along the curve.
-
Macramé - the wide and low profile (30 mm width) fits into horizontal presentation knots.
Amazonite in Lapidary Tradition
Amazonite has been carved into symbolic shapes since antiquity: pieces of green feldspar have been found in tombs of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. The crescent shape is one of the oldest carvings, present in amulets from multiple cultures. In crystal tradition, amazonite is associated with serenity in communication. Symbolic properties shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
How to Recognize Genuine Amazonite
Genuine amazonite is opaque, with heterogeneous blue-green color and visible white-beige veining. Dyed glass is uniformly green, without internal veining. Turquoise can be confused by color but has a different waxy luster and darker, more defined matrix lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the cabochon have a flat base for conventional setting?
No. This piece is domed on both sides. The goldsmith must design a setting that encloses the piece from the sides or use a wire wrap that surrounds the entire perimeter.
What bezel height is suitable?
For a 7-8 mm thick cabochon with curvature on both sides, a 3-4 mm high side bezel allows the piece to be held securely without excessively covering the main face.
Is the amazonite treated?
No detectable treatment. The color and veining are completely natural. No formal gemological certification.
Is the shape perfectly symmetrical?
Freeform shape with a tolerance of ±0.5 mm. It may present small variations in curvature characteristic of its handcrafted nature.
What dimensions should I use to design the setting?
Maximum width ~30 mm and maximum thickness 7-8 mm as a starting point. We recommend physically measuring the piece before fabricating the bezel.
How should amazonite be cared for?
Soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid solvents and sudden temperature changes. See jewelry care.
More about this mineral: amazonite properties. See also: all cabochons | handcrafted pendants.
