Teardrop-shaped bauxite cabochon — aluminum sedimentary rock with a mottled earthy texture, colors ranging from ochre to rust brown with characteristic dark spots.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Bauxite (sedimentary rock of aluminum hydroxides: gibbsite, boehmite, diaspore) |
| Dimensions |
Teardrop shape; approximate dimensions 30-45 mm long × 20-30 mm wide (check product image) |
| Shape and Back |
Teardrop, freeform; flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
2-3 Mohs — soft stone; we recommend closed bezel setting and use in pendants or earrings, not in everyday rings |
| Origin |
Material acquired in a lapidary wholesale market |
| Treatment |
No detectable treatment |
| Piece Type |
Unique piece |
This Specific Piece
Bauxite as a jewelry stone is uncommon in the European market: most of the world's production goes to the aluminum industry, and only a small fraction of sufficient visual quality reaches lapidaries.
The teardrop shape maximizes the expression of the internal pattern. The flat back is standard for cabochons of this type of rock: the variable porosity of bauxite means that the underside does not always achieve the same luster as the top side, but for the setter, what matters is that the seating is firm and flat.
How Bauxite is Formed
Bauxite is not a single mineral but a rock formed by residual concentration of aluminum hydroxides (gibbsite, boehmite, diaspore) under conditions of intense tropical weathering.
Suitable Settings
-
Bezel setting (925 silver or other precious metals) — its low hardness (2-3 Mohs) makes a closed bezel almost essential: it protects the stone's edges from lateral contact. A 1 mm diameter silver wire bezel is sufficient for a 30-40 mm teardrop.
-
Pendants and earrings — the recommended use is in pieces that do not receive direct impact or abrasion. Long silver pendants with a prominent stone are the most frequent setting for bauxite.
-
Wire wrap — technically possible, but care must be taken with the pressure of the wires on the edges of such a low-hardness stone. It is recommended to use soft silver or copper wire and not to overtighten the spirals.
Bauxite in the Context of Jewelry Stones
Bauxite has no historical gemological tradition — it was identified as a mineral in 1821 near Les Baux-de-Provence (France), from which it takes its name, and since then its importance has been exclusively industrial.
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 Bauxite
Genuine bauxite has a slightly porous or granular texture when viewed under a 10× loupe: it is not as uniform as jasper or agate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does bauxite have any treatment?
No detectable treatment. The earthy color and spots are natural properties of the mineral, a result of the distribution of iron oxides (goethite, hematite) during sedimentary formation.
Is it suitable for an everyday ring?
No. Its hardness of 2-3 Mohs makes it vulnerable to scratches in daily use.
Why is bauxite uncommon in jewelry?
Bauxite is the raw material for industrial aluminum, so most of the production is destined for foundries.
Are the dimensions exact?
Dimensions are approximate. Bauxite is worked in freeform, and each piece presents slight variations of up to ±2 mm from the indicated values.
How is a bauxite cabochon properly set?
Closed bezel of 925 silver with 0.8-1 mm round wire, pressing evenly on the edge with a nylon punch to avoid marking the stone.
How to care for a bauxite cabochon?
Clean only with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid ultrasonics, steam, and chemical products. The porosity of bauxite can absorb oils and residues that stain the surface. Consult our guide on care for your jewelry.
See more unusual minerals in our cabochons collection. More about sedimentary minerals in mineral properties.
