Madagascar porcelain jasper oval cabochon, 25×18 mm. Pure white with no visible inclusions, silky texture under the fingers. Stock acquired at a wholesale lapidary market.
Piece Details
| Mineral |
Porcelain Jasper (high-purity microcrystalline SiO₂) |
| Dimensions |
25×18 mm nominal (±0.5 mm) |
| Shape and Back |
Oval, flat back |
| Finish |
Mirror polish |
| Hardness |
6.5–7 Mohs — suitable for pendants, earrings, and rings with closed bezels |
| Origin |
Madagascar |
| Treatment |
Untreated |
| Piece Type |
Unique piece |
This Specific Piece
The 25×18 mm oval format is the most versatile of the three available porcelain jasper formats: large enough to be the main element of a pendant, and contained enough to work in hook earrings without being too heavy. The oval aspect ratio (25/18 = 1.38) is close to the golden ratio, which produces a visually balanced silhouette without the need for design adjustments.
The white of the porcelain jasper in this size acts as a reflective surface: it amplifies the shine of the surrounding metal and creates a luminous effect in the overall piece.
What Setting It Works For
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Oval bezel setting (925 silver) — the 25×18 mm format fits standard prefabricated oval mounts for that size; reduces manufacturing time without sacrificing handcrafted results.
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Hoop earrings / Solitaire pendants — the white oval fits into classic and contemporary designs with equal ease.
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Wire wrap — the flat back and oval perimeter facilitate clean and symmetrical wraps with 22-20 AWG wire.
Jasper in Lapidary Tradition
Jasper is one of the oldest stones used as a seal and amulet: it is mentioned in the Bible and in Sumerian texts. Romans carved it into intaglios for wax seals, and medieval lapidaries included it in the Lapidary of Alfonso X the Wise. White porcelain jasper specifically was introduced to the modern lapidary trade by European goldsmiths who valued its visual purity for minimalist designs. In crystal tradition, white jasper is associated with honesty and clarity.
The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice.
How to Recognize Genuine Porcelain Jasper
Porcelain jasper has a matte white appearance with slight textural variations under a ×10 magnifying glass, resulting from compact microcrystalline quartz. Its hardness of 6.5-7 Mohs distinguishes it from howlite (Mohs 3.5) and calcite (Mohs 3). Unlike howlite, porcelain jasper has no gray veins; unlike white glass, it has no bubbles or initial cold tactile feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it natural Madagascar porcelain jasper?
Yes. No detectable treatment. The white color is the natural composition of the mineral. Statement based on lapidary observation; the piece does not include formal gemological certification.
Does it fit prefabricated mounts?
Yes. The 25×18 mm format is a very common standard oval size among 925 silver wholesalers. Verify the exact diameter of each piece before ordering the mount.
Are the dimensions exact?
25×18 mm nominal with a tolerance of ±0.5 mm. As uncalibrated lapidary stock, dimensions may vary slightly between pieces.
What distinguishes this oval from the teardrop format?
The oval has complete axial symmetry: both ends are curved and equivalent. The oval fits more types of prefabricated mounts. The teardrop has a pointed end that acts as a natural hanging direction.
How is it cared for?
Resistant to water and common household agents. Clean with warm water and neutral soap. More at jewelry care.
See also: cabochon collection · handmade pendants.
