Teardrop and freeform Pink Tourmaline in Quartz cabochons, between 11 and 15 mm long, 3–4 mm thick. Four variants, each with a unique pattern of pink elbaite inclusions in a milky or smoky quartz base. Hand-cut in our lapidary workshop.
Item Specifications
| Mineral |
Pink Tourmaline (elbaite) in Quartz matrix (SiO₂) |
| Dimensions |
Between 11 and 15 mm long, 3–4 mm thick (varies by variant) |
| Shape & Back |
Teardrop or freeform, flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
7–7.5 Mohs — suitable for regular wear pendants and rings |
| Origin |
Material acquired at wholesale lapidary market |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Item Type |
Available in 4 variants (unique piece per variant) |
This specific piece
The teardrop shape is one of the most versatile in lapidary: the rounded top and soft point at the bottom create a natural pendant without needing specific orientation.
At 11–15 mm long and 3–4 mm thick, these pieces are the intermediate size in the series: larger than small cabochons (7–12 mm), with enough visual presence for designer pendants with visible settings.
How Pink Tourmaline in Quartz is formed
Pink tourmaline (elbaite) is a variety of complex borate-silicates with lithium and aluminum that crystallizes in granitic pegmatites. Elbaite is the only tourmaline variety that produces gem-quality colors suitable for lapidary (pink, green, red, blue).
What settings it works for
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Pendants with 925 silver teardrop settings — the teardrop shape has standard settings available at any jewelry workshop. A silver teardrop bezel with a delicate chain is the natural destination for these pieces. The bottom point can be oriented downwards for a classic pendant or upwards for an inverted design.
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Statement rings in oval or freeform bezels — for freeform variants, a custom bezel that follows the stone's contour creates a unique designer ring.
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Wire wrap pendants — the teardrop shape is ideal for wire wrapping: the point wraps naturally and the rounded base provides stability to the entire piece.
Pink Tourmaline in lapidary tradition
The name "tourmaline" comes from the Sinhalese "turmali," which was used in Sri Lanka to describe various brightly colored gems arriving from different origins.
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 Pink Tourmaline in Quartz
Genuine tourmaline has observable pleochroism: rotating the piece under direct light may reveal a slight change in the pink hue. Inclusions are three-dimensional under magnification, with their own crystalline edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have the minerals been treated or dyed?
No. The pink inclusions are natural elbaite. No detectable treatment. Statement based on lapidary observation; the piece does not include formal gemological certification.
What is the difference between teardrop and freeform variants?
Teardrop variants follow a silhouette with a rounded top and a pointed bottom. Freeform variants have a more organic and irregular silhouette, determined by the lapidary to best utilize the most interesting mineral pattern of the fragment.
Are they suitable for everyday wear pendants?
Yes. At 7–7.5 Mohs, they are suitable for daily wear. In pendants, the stone has little abrasive contact with hard surfaces, so wear is minimal even without a closed bezel.
Are the four variants clearly distinct?
Yes. Each has its own pattern of inclusions and, in some cases, a distinct shape (teardrop vs. freeform). Dimensional tolerance ±0.5 mm.
What are the dimensions?
Between 11 and 15 mm long, 3–4 mm thick. Exact dimensions vary by variant.
How do I care for these cabochons?
Clean with a slightly damp cloth. Quartz tolerates water well. Store separately from harder materials. More information: jewelry care guide.
See also: cut cabochons · full lapidary collection.
