Botryoidal Cabochons

In  these unusual stones the crystals are very tiny, and they grow in formations that resemble knobs, valleys, and hills. They are known as Botryoidal formations (Bot tree OY dal, from the Greek word meaning “resembling a bunch of grapes”). I am pleased to offer uncoated Botyroidal Agates, whose warm quartz colors are totally natural, as well as coated pieces. The application of silvery Moonbeam (lighter) and Moonshadow (darker) titanium coatings, highlights the formations and makes for extremely unique gemstones. Note: In the photos of the coated Moonbeam pieces, the agate surrounds look black due to the camera lighting, but actually they are a shiny dark silver. Our latest additions are the incomparable Smithsonite, a zinc carbonate with additional elements that give it various colors. This translucent stone was named for Sir James Smithson, founder of the Smithsonian Institution, who first identified the mineral in 1802. Smithsonite's knobby surface has a wonderful, almost glowing luster. It's not a hard stone (4-4.5), so it should not be used in heavy-wear jewelry.