A fragment of the mountains of Zamora transformed into a jewel. The centerpiece is an apple-green variscite, extracted from the Palazuelos de las Cuevas mine (Zamora), hand-cut into a freeform cabochon measuring 15×13×4 mm. The stone is set in 925 sterling silver on a finely fretted base: the silhouette of a mountain range carved on the back, a handcrafted detail that honors the gem's origin. A 45 cm silver chain is included. Unique piece.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Variscite (AlPO₄·2H₂O — hydrated aluminum phosphate) |
| Origin |
Palazuelos de las Cuevas mine, Zamora (Spain) |
| Stone Dimensions |
15 × 13 × 4 mm (freeform) |
| Color |
Apple green with fine brown, yellow, and white veins |
| Hardness |
3.5–4.5 Mohs — protected by the closed bezel setting |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Metal |
925 Silver |
| Setting |
Closed bezel on a fretted base (MUNTE design) |
| Chain |
925 Silver, 45 cm, included |
| Piece Type |
Unique piece — hand-cut and assembled |
The stone: Variscite from Palazuelos
Variscite is a hydrated aluminum phosphate that forms in cracks of Paleozoic slates and quartzites. The Palazuelos de las Cuevas mine, in Zamora, is one of only two European deposits with documented gemological production — the other is Can Tintorer (Gavà, Barcelona). The apple-green color comes from traces of iron and aluminum in the structure; the fine veins are natural matrix venations that the lapidary preserves as part of the pattern. Variscite is opaque — the green is perceived by reflection on the polished surface. Each cabochon is distinct.
The MUNTE design
MUNTE means "mountain" in Romanian. The silver base features an openwork design with the profile of a mountain range hand-carved on the back of the pendant. It is an intimate sculptural detail: it is not visible when the piece is worn, but it appears when the pendant is turned over. A mark of craftsmanship oriented more towards the wearer than to the observer, and a nod to the landscape from which the variscite originates.
Variscite in lapidary tradition
Variscite was confused with turquoise for centuries before modern mineralogy described it as a distinct species in 1837. In the Iberian Peninsula, ornamental use has been documented since the Neolithic: at Can Tintorer (Gavà), one of the largest prehistoric mining complexes in Europe has been excavated, with variscite beads that traveled throughout the western Mediterranean more than 6,000 years ago. In contemporary lapidary tradition, it is associated with rootedness and connection to the land. Symbolic properties are part of a cultural tradition. They do not constitute medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the variscite authentic?
Yes. It comes from Palazuelos de las Cuevas (Zamora), one of two European gem-quality variscite deposits. Untreated: the green color comes from native iron and aluminum traces. Statement based on lapidary observation; no formal gemological certification.
What does MUNTE mean?
It means "mountain" in Romanian. It is the name of the design: a silver base with an openwork silhouette of a mountain range on the back, in homage to the landscape of Palazuelos from which the variscite comes.
Can it be worn daily?
Yes, with normal silver jewelry care. The variscite is protected by the closed bezel. It is advisable to remove it for sleeping, showering, or applying perfumes and creams, and to store it in an individual pouch. Consult our care guide.
Does 925 silver tarnish?
Yes, it's a natural process. It can be removed with an anti-tarnish cloth; the openwork of the MUNTE design may accumulate more patina in the carved areas — cleaning with a soft brush will restore its shine.
Is it a unique piece?
Yes. The MUNTE design is recurring, but each piece is assembled from a different variscite cabochon: the exact green, veins, and silhouette are unrepeatable.
Is variscite from Palazuelos different from variscite from Utah?
Mineralogically, they are the same species. Palazuelos variscite has a duller green with frequent white quartz; Utah variscite has a more intense green with well-defined brown veins.
More about this stone: variscite — properties and uses. See also: other handcrafted pendants · silver jewelry.
