Round lodolite cabochon, 11-12 mm in diameter and 6-7 mm dome height. Inclusions of chlorite, hematite, and other minerals form green, brown, and ochre landscapes suspended within the clear quartz, creating the sensation of looking down into a microcosm.
Item details
| Mineral |
Lodolite — quartz with inclusions (SiO₂ with chlorite, epidote, or hematite inclusions) |
| Dimensions |
Diameter 11-12 mm × 6-7 mm dome height (selectable by variant number); tolerance ±0.5 mm |
| Shape and back |
Calibrated round, flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
7 Mohs — suitable for everyday rings, pendants, and earrings |
| Origin |
Brazil (Minas Gerais) · Material acquired from wholesale lapidary market |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Item type |
Item selectable by variant number |
This specific item
Each variant number corresponds to an individually photographed cabochon. Chlorite inclusions form moss-green nodules or veils, with ochre-brown ferrous spots and completely transparent areas that reveal the interior in depth. The calibrated circular shape makes these pieces especially practical for standard settings.
How inclusions form in lodolite
Lodolite (from Latin lutum, mud or sediment) is hyaline—transparent—quartz that, during its growth, trapped secondary minerals in suspension: green chlorite, epidote, actinolite, hematite, or iron hydroxides. This process occurs in cavities of granites and pegmatites in Brazil, mainly in the state of Minas Gerais. The harder quartz (7 Mohs) precipitates and engulfs the secondary crystals that formed before or during. The result is a three-dimensional mineral "garden" inaccessible from the outside.
What settings it works for
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Pendants with a 925 silver bezel — the 11-12 mm size produces discreet pendants with high visual impact. The closed bezel protects the quartz and frames the internal landscape.
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Rings for everyday wear — 7 Mohs hardness, suitable for daily use.
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Paired earrings — the calibrated round format facilitates the design of pairs; two cabochons of the same diameter but different "landscapes" create unique yet coherent earrings.
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Wire wrap — the round profile is one of the easiest to wrap; the clear quartz also showcases the wire work from the side.
Lodolite in lapidary tradition
Stones with "internal landscapes" were collected in Europe from the 17th century as natural curiosities (Wunderkammer). In Brazil, lodolite has been commercially exploited since the 1980s, especially in the municipalities of Petrópolis and Três Corações (Minas Gerais). It is also known as "garden quartz" or "shamanic quartz" in the crystal market; the more technical name is "quartz with inclusions." In crystal tradition, it is associated with introspection and connection to the natural world.
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 lodolite
Authentic lodolite has completely transparent—not opaque—external quartz with visible inclusions inside. Under magnification, the irregular shapes of the inclusions (chlorite with laminar habit or in nodules, hematite in plates) are apparent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it natural, untreated quartz?
Yes. The inclusions are minerals trapped during the growth of the quartz; they are not paints or resins. No detectable treatment. Statement based on lapidary observation; does not include formal gemological certification.
Does each piece have the same type of inclusions?
No: inclusions vary between pieces. Each variant number is individually photographed so you can choose the "landscape" you prefer.
Is it suitable for rings?
Yes, with 7 Mohs, quartz tolerates daily use. The inclusions are internal and do not affect the surface resistance of the cabochon.
Is the quartz completely transparent?
The outer quartz is transparent; the inclusions create colored areas inside. The final appearance varies from piece to piece depending on the density and color of the inclusions.
Are the dimensions exact?
The pieces are calibrated round (11 or 12 mm in diameter); tolerance ±0.5 mm.
