Green Opal Teardrop Cabochon

Green opal teardrop cabochon, hand-carved in our lapidary workshop. Dimensions 25 × 13 × 6 mm, with a mirror-polished domed surface and flat back for direct bezel setting or other silver mounting. Uniform olive green color with translucent nuances under direct light.

Item Details

This specific piece

The olive green remains uniform on the surface but gains translucency when held against the light, especially in the thinner areas of the teardrop's perimeter. The mirror polish enhances the tone without altering it: the piece has no play of color (opalescence), but its visual value lies in the depth of the green and the uniform finish. The flat back was calibrated to sit cleanly on a bezel base without needing to modify the original silhouette.

What type of mounting it works for

• Bezel setting (925 silver or other precious metals) — the flat back allows the bezel to be built directly on the silhouette; the 6 mm height provides a classic projection for a pendant
• Pendants — the 25 × 13 mm format is classic for a main pendant; it accommodates festoons, micropavé, or chains mounted at the apex
• Long earrings in a pair — as a unique piece, this format works as a single earring; for a pair, a companion piece of similar tone and dimension is needed
• Wire wrap — an alternative for those working with wire wrapping; fine gauge wire (0.6–0.8 mm) is recommended due to the moderate hardness of opal

Opal in lapidary tradition

The name "opal" derives from the Sanskrit upala ("precious stone"). In classical Rome, it was considered one of the most valuable minerals for concentrating changing nuances depending on the light. Common opal without play of color —like this piece— has been historically used in decorative and mourning jewelry for the solid quality of its tone under different illuminations.

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 common opal

Common opal shows a vitreous to waxy luster on the surface and partial translucency when backlit, especially at the edges. Under direct light, it does not exhibit play of color (the multicolored sparks of noble opal), but the base tone remains deep without a flat appearance. Glass imitations tend to have a uniformly saturated color, with internal bubbles visible under a 10× loupe, and lack the microporosity characteristic of natural opal.

Frequently asked questions

Does this piece have play of color (opalescence)?

No. This is common opal, without the internal silica sphere structure that produces the play of color of noble opal. Its visual value lies in the depth of the green and the mirror finish, not in multicolored sparks.

Is it suitable for an everyday ring?

Better as a pendant or earring. The 5.5–6.5 Mohs hardness makes opal more delicate than quartz: it holds up well in suspended pieces, but in an everyday ring, side impacts can chip the edge. If you want to use it in a ring, a closed bezel setting that protects the entire perimeter is recommended.

Are there other pieces like this one?

No. Each cabochon is individually carved from a different rock fragment. The exact tone and distribution of translucent nuances vary piece by piece even when the silhouette is the same.

How to care for it?

Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, and sudden temperature changes. In very dry environments, store in a small bag with a piece of damp cotton to preserve the mineral's hydration. More in the jewelry care guide.

Are the dimensions exact?

25 × 13 × 6 mm. As it is hand-carved, there may be a variation of ±0.5 mm.

Is it suitable for wire wrapping?

Yes, with caution. The moderate hardness makes opal more sensitive than quartz: thin wire (0.6–0.8 mm) is recommended, and excessive tension on the edges should be avoided. It holds up well for pendants and earrings.

See also: all cabochons · handmade pendants · lapidary material.