Pair of Maligano Jasper cabochons from Sulawesi, Indonesia, hand-selected for pattern matching. Three formats in this lot #2: 20×13 mm, 37×15 mm, and 27×11 mm. The teal-cream mosaic of Maligano Jasper makes each pair a chromatic combination without equal in industrially produced stone.
Item details
| Mineral |
Maligano Jasper (brecciated chalcedony with amorphous opal; microcrystalline quartz family) |
| Dimensions |
20×13×5 mm · 37×15×5 mm · 27×11×4 mm depending on variant (tolerance ±0.5 mm) |
| Shape and back |
Freeform, flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish on face, flat unpolished back |
| Hardness |
6–6.5 Mohs — we recommend closed bezel setting to protect the edges |
| Origin |
Sulawesi, Indonesia (Maligano region) |
| Treatment |
No treatment |
| Item type |
Pair of unique pieces: each variant is an unrepeatable pairing |
This specific item
Lot #2 includes three formats with more elongated profiles than #3: the 37×15 mm is the longest in the series and allows for designing "ear climber" style earrings or narrow rectangular pendants. The 27×11 mm offers a similar proportion in a more manageable size for band rings. The 20×13 mm is versatile for more delicate pieces.
The pattern of this lot combines areas of intense verdigris green with grayish-blue and thicker cream cement areas, creating an architectural mosaic look. Each pair is selected so that the proportion of the three colors is comparable between the two pieces, although the exact pattern placement will inevitably vary.
How the Maligano Jasper pattern is formed
Maligano Jasper is formed in volcanic hydrothermal environments on the island of Sulawesi. High-temperature siliceous fluids fracture the host rock and precipitate amorphous opal or microcrystalline chalcedony in the cracks.
What mounting it works for
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Elongated earrings in 925 silver bezel — the 37×15 and 27×11 mm formats are ideal for baguette or long drop earring designs; the closed bezel protects the jasper edges and distributes mounting tension.
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Rectangular pendants in silver or brass — the 37×15 mm format fits into rectangular bezels with straight edges; it allows for creating statement jewelry pieces without large dimensions or weight.
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Asymmetrical or symmetrical wire wrap — an alternative for lapidaries working with wire; the pair provides chromatic coherence in matching earring designs.
Maligano Jasper in lapidary tradition
Originating from Central Sulawesi, Maligano Jasper is a material that gained presence in the Western lapidary market from 2015–2018, when it began circulating at mineral fairs such as Tucson and Munich.
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 Maligano Jasper
Authentic Maligano shows its breccia structure under magnification: angular fragments delimited by lines of opaline cement with different luster and texture. On the polished face, the opal cement appears slightly more translucent than the jasper fragments. Imitations in glass or solid-colored resin lack this heterogeneous microstructure.
Frequently asked questions
Is this Maligano Jasper treated or dyed?
No detectable treatment. The color is intrinsic to the mineral, a result of metallic oxides present during hydrothermal formation in Sulawesi. Statement based on lapidary observation; no formal gemological certification included.
What mounting is recommended for elongated formats?
For the 37×15 and 27×11 mm formats, we recommend rectangular 925 silver bezels with sharp or rounded corners. The closed bezel setting protects the jasper edges from impacts. Wire wrap is viable if working with wire of sufficient gauge to support the weight of the cabochon.
Are both pieces in the pair identical?
They are natural pieces with freeform shapes: the pattern varies slightly between the two cabochons in the pair. Selection is manual for maximum visual correspondence, but they are not industrially calibrated. Dimensional tolerance: ±0.5 mm on any axis.
More cabochons for earring design: cabochon collection. Materials for silversmithing: silversmithing.
