Kambaba Jasper Cabochon · 24×17 mm

Oval Kambaba Jasper (Eldarite) cabochon, 24×17 mm. The stone exhibits the orbicular pattern characteristic of fossilized stromatolites: dark orbs with well-defined edges on a forest green background, with reddish ferruginous spots in the matrix. Hand-cut in our lapidary workshop from rough material. Treatment: resin stabilized.

Piece Details

This specific piece

The orbs in this piece have well-defined edges and are asymmetrically distributed: there is a dense cluster in the upper left quadrant and several more isolated orbs towards the center and right. Some show a slightly lighter core that is only revealed with raking light. Reddish iron oxide spots add a third tone that breaks the monotony of the dark green and gives depth to the whole.

The 24×17 mm oval format is proportionally ideal for index finger rings or medium chain pendants: enough surface to read the complete pattern, yet compact enough not to overwhelm the final design of the jewelry piece.

What Kambaba Jasper is exactly

Kambaba Jasper is a silicified stromatolite over 3 billion years old. Stromatolites are sedimentary structures built by colonies of cyanobacteria — among the earliest forms of photosynthetic life — that grew in concentric layers. As they fossilized and became impregnated with silica, each colony was preserved as an orb in the rock. The trade name Eldarite designates the same material. Main deposits: Madagascar and South Africa.

For which setting it works

• Bezel setting in 925 silver — The orbicular pattern calls for a clean frame that doesn't compete with it. A plain silver bezel, or oxidized silver to emphasize the dark green, is the most coherent option with the character of this stone.
• Signet rings or oval pendants — The 24×17 mm format is proportional for both a statement ring and a pendant on a thick link chain or Venetian chain.
• Wire wrap — The polished surface and flat back ensure stability in perimeter wrapping without gaps that would weaken the wire's hold.

Kambaba Jasper in lapidary tradition

Popularized in the West from the 90s onwards, Kambaba Jasper is relatively new to jewelry despite its extreme age. In crystal therapy, it is associated with connection to nature and stability. For the lapidary, its appeal is more direct: it responds very well to polishing and its orbicular pattern makes it unmistakable in any collection.

The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.

How to recognize genuine Kambaba Jasper

Authentic orbs are irregular in size and distribution; perfect uniformity is a sign of an artificial pattern. Under magnification, the transition between the green matrix and the dark orbs shows microtextures of organic mineralization that glass or resin do not reproduce.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean that it is stabilized?

Stabilization with low-viscosity resin fills natural micropores and microfractures to improve the durability of the polish. It does not alter the color or visual appearance of the stone. The behavior during cutting and setting is the same.

Are Kambaba Jasper and Eldarite the same?

Yes. Both are trade names for the same material: silicified stromatolite with a green-black orbicular pattern. There is no mineralogical difference between the two designations.

Is it suitable for daily wear in a ring?

With a hardness of 6.5–7 Mohs and protected by a closed bezel, it withstands daily use well. We recommend avoiding prolonged contact with household acids (cleaners) which could degrade the stabilizing resin.

Where does the material come from?

The material was acquired from a lapidary wholesale market. The most documented deposits of Kambaba Jasper are in Madagascar and South Africa, although we do not have specific quarry traceability for this lot.