Electroformed copper pendant with raw Tibetan quartz and violet star sapphire, 44×31 mm. The design combines a circular copper frame and two stones of opposing nature: the biterminated transparency of quartz with carbon inclusions, and the deep violet of star sapphire with asterism. A unique piece from the Outlet collection.
Piece Details
| Minerals |
Tibetan Quartz (SiO₂) · Star Sapphire (corundum, Al₂O₃) |
| Piece Dimensions |
44×31 mm (includes setting) |
| Quartz Shape |
Natural raw point · transparent with inclusions |
| Sapphire Shape |
Round cabochon · asterism under direct light |
| Setting |
Circular electroformed copper frame |
| Finish |
Copper with natural patina and oxidized areas |
| Hardness |
7 Mohs (quartz) · 9 Mohs (sapphire) |
| Origin |
Material acquired from wholesale lapidary market |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Piece Type |
Unique piece · Outlet Collection |
| Chain |
Black leather cord included |
This specific piece
Tibetan quartz is characterized by its carbon inclusions — black dots and veils that float inside the crystal, creating a unique pattern in each specimen. The point is mounted in its natural, unpolished state, which preserves the crystal faces and allows the inclusions to be seen directly. Under direct light, the quartz traps internal reflections that seem to move as the pendant is turned.
The star sapphire crowns the top of the circular frame with a small electroformed bezel setting. Under pinpoint light — a flashlight or direct sun — the surface of the cabochon reveals a six-pointed star caused by rutile needles oriented in the three planes of the corundum. The circular copper frame allows the stones to be the center of the composition.
Electroformed copper
In electroforming, the stone acts as the core of an electrolytic process: immersed in a copper sulfate solution and connected to a low-voltage circuit, the metal deposits on its surface layer by layer for hours. The circular frame of this piece was built on a hand-modeled base, then coated with copper until it reached its final thickness — a rigid, unrepeatable frame.
Tibetan quartz and sapphire in lapidary tradition
Tibetan quartz — extracted from the Himalayan plateaus — has been used in Buddhist rituals for centuries as a meditation tool. Its carbon inclusions differentiate it from conventional quartz and give it that night-sky appearance appreciated by collectors and lapidaries. Sapphire was a stone of kings in the ancient world: Persians believed the sky was a gigantic sapphire and its color was the reflection of that stone on the firmament.
In crystal tradition, Tibetan quartz is associated with mental clarity and protection, while sapphire is linked with wisdom and deep concentration. The combination of both in a single piece suggests an alliance between orderly thought and intuition.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the asterism of the star sapphire seen?
Asterism is visible under direct pinpoint light: a flashlight, the sun, or a narrow-beam bulb. Under diffuse light (cloudy, indoor without focus) the effect is less visible. The star moves on the surface of the cabochon as the light source is shifted.
Is the Tibetan quartz genuine and untreated?
Yes. Untreated. The carbon inclusions are internal and have not been altered. Statement based on lapidary observation; the piece does not include formal gemological certification.
How is electroformed copper cared for?
Copper develops a patina over time — a natural process that adds character to the piece. Avoid contact with water, creams, and perfumes. If verdigris (green patina) appears, clean gently with a dry cloth. Full guide: jewelry care.
Why is it in the outlet collection?
Outlet pieces are self-produced with minor variations in patina or workshop marks that do not affect structural integrity. The minerals and electroforming are in perfect condition.
View the complete collection: Ecos del Taller · Outlet. See also: mineral pendants.
