Malachite 15-22x23-33mm AAA Grade Medium Free Form Cabochon Brazilian This variety of opal is

This variety of opal is named "dendritic" for the small inclusions within it that resemble moss or ferns

Specially formed jaws hold a Pinch Bail steadily in place while giving space for closing

When skillfully cut and polished

Most hemimorphite is found in the rocks above and surrounding zinc deposits

it is a relative newcomer to the gem market

Malachite 15-22x23-33mm AAA Grade Medium Free Form Cabochon Brazilian This variety of opal isMalachite is a copper carbonate with a bright green color and dark green banding. Usually found near copper deposits, it is formed through the combination of carbonated water, limestone and copper. Famous malachite mines in the Ural mountains of Russia once produced 20 to ton blocks of the stone, while today it is primarily mined in Africa. Malachite was used extensively as decoration in the palaces of Russian tsars and forms the columns of St. Isaacs