Andean Opal Obelisk Point · Peru

Peruvian Andean opal point in the shape of a truncated obelisk, 22.8 × 9.8 × 6.8 mm. Hand-carved in our workshop from Peruvian rough. Translucent sky blue with warm terracotta and ochre inclusions concentrated at the apex, creating a natural gradient from top to bottom. The base has a notch that the bezel completely covers; this factor has been taken into account in the price. Unique piece.

Piece Details

This specific piece

The truncated obelisk format eliminates the most fragile point and ensures stability in the mounting. The terracotta and ochre inclusions at the apex have texture and an irregular, gradual transition to the clean sky blue of the body: making that area the most interesting under magnification.

The notch at the base is completely covered by the bezel once the setting is closed; the translucency of the opal also ensures that it is not visible from the illuminated front. The lapidary took it into account when setting the price, not when planning the cut.

How warm inclusions are formed

The terracotta-ochre inclusions come from iron oxides and limonite present in the volcanic host rock when silica precipitated into the Andean fissures. As the SiO₂·nH₂O gel was deposited, the oxides became trapped and generated the warm palette that contrasts with the sky blue of the opal.

What mounting it works for

• Bezel in 925 silver (traditional jewelry) — the rectangular shape fits into a straight-walled bezel; the notch is covered and the flat top allows for a clean finish at the top of the setting.
• Pendant with open box mounting — the straight 6.8 mm profile facilitates a box that leaves the translucent sky blue visible from the reverse and highlights the warm gradient at the apex.
• Longitudinal wire wrap — wrapping the wire along the 22.8 mm creates a sculpted composition where the inclusions at the apex are framed by the metal as a focal point.

Andean opal in lapidary tradition

The most documented deposit of Andean opal is located in the Huánuco mountain range, Peru, at an altitude of over 3,500 meters. Chroniclers of the Viceroyalty described its ornamental use among Inca nobility in the 16th century. In the 19th century, European naturalists drew attention to its uniqueness: a sky-blue translucency without equivalent in Western gemology at the time.

In crystal tradition, it is associated with renewal and grounding: the warmth of the earth and the openness of the sky in the same piece.

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 Andean opal

No spectral play of color. Zoned color, vitreous appearance, and true translucency. The iron oxide inclusions in warm tones are consistent with the volcanic origin and difficult to imitate synthetically. Under magnification: compact texture; glass imitations show perfect spherical bubbles.

Frequently asked questions

Does the notch at the base affect the use of the piece?

Not in practice. It is covered by the bezel once the setting is closed, and the translucency of the opal ensures that it is not visible from the front. This circumstance has been taken into account in the price.

What is resin stabilization?

Andean opal can absorb moisture and develop microfractures. We have applied clear resin by impregnation as a preventive measure. It does not alter the color or appearance. Declared treatment, standard for opals with this sensitivity.

Can it be set in 925 silver?

Yes. With a hardness of 5.5–6.5 Mohs, it accepts a closed bezel. The flat top and rectangular shape facilitate positioning in a mounting. For care, visit our jewelry care guide.

See also: lapidary collection · available cabochons.