Teardrop-shaped chromium chalcedony (mtorolite) cabochons — saturated deep green from Zimbabwe, with the characteristic "forest green" hue produced by traces of chromium in the microcrystalline quartz structure.
Item Description
| Mineral |
Chromium Chalcedony (Mtorolite; microcrystalline quartz with trace chromium, green var.) |
| Dimensions |
Assorted teardrop format; typically 25-40 mm long × 18-25 mm wide (verify product image) |
| Shape and Back |
Teardrop, free-form; flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polished |
| Hardness |
7 Mohs — suitable for regular wear rings; we recommend closed bezel setting to protect edges on large formats |
| Origin |
Zimbabwe |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Item Type |
Selected stock; each piece varies in green intensity and size within the range |
These Specific Pieces
The teardrop shape exposes the color transition that mtorolite sometimes has: some pieces show a completely uniform green, while others show slightly lighter areas or interspersed white veins of pure quartz.
The flat back allows for a clean bezel or prong setting.
How Chromium Chalcedony is Formed
Chalcedony is a variety of quartz formed by intertwined submicroscopic fibers of quartz and moganite, slowly deposited from hydrothermal or low-temperature solutions in cavities and fissures of volcanic rocks.
What Mounting Works For
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Bezel setting (925 silver or other precious metals) — the 7 Mohs hardness makes it suitable for rings and pendants with standard bezels. The intense green contrasts particularly well with oxidized silver or bright silver. The closed bezel with 0.8-1 mm wire is the most common finish for teardrops of this type.
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Statement rings and pendants with silver mounts — mtorolite is one of the few intense greens available in cabochon at an affordable price, making it a practical alternative to imperial jade or emerald for jewelers seeking saturated green without the cost of precious gemstones.
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Wire wrap — the intense green complements copper or brass well. The 7 Mohs hardness withstands wire pressure without risk of scratching.
Chromium Chalcedony in Lapidary Tradition
Chalcedony in general has a gemological history of more than four thousand years — it appears in Mesopotamian seals, Mycenaean beads, and in the New Testament as one of the stones of the New Jerusalem.
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 Chromium Chalcedony
Mtorolite has moderate translucency: under direct light, the edges of the stone allow some light to pass through, but the center is almost opaque.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chromium chalcedony treated?
Untreated. The intense green is natural, produced by traces of trivalent chromium incorporated during the hydrothermal formation of chalcedony.
Is it the same as chrysoprase or green jade?
No. Chrysoprase is green chalcedony with nickel, with a more yellowish-green color and greater translucency.
Are the sizes calibrated?
No. The pieces are free-form within the indicated range. Tolerance between units can be up to ±2-3 mm.
What metal best combines with green chromium chalcedony?
The intense green combines particularly well with 925 silver (clean chromatic contrast), with 14k-18k yellow gold (warm-cool contrast), and with oxidized brass (artistic look).
Is it suitable for an everyday ring?
With a protective closed bezel, yes. The 7 Mohs hardness is comparable to quartzite and resists normal wear.
How to care for chromium chalcedony?
Clean with a soft cloth and warm water. Avoid strong acids and alkalis. Quartz is resistant to most everyday products, but it is advisable to remove jewelry before using bleach or harsh cleaning products. See our guide on jewelry care.
See free-form chromium chalcedony in cabochons. More about chalcedony and quartz in mineral properties.
