Descripción
Origin: Tanzania, Africa
Description: Cachalong or Kalmuck Opal/ Agate is a lesser known stone to beginner lapidaries, but a godsend to experts. When it comes to pure white stone for inlays and carving projects, this is the only one that exists. Boring for beginners because it doesn't make an interesting cabochon. But when you need to inlay teeth or add whites of eyes, etc. and use a material that is hard enough to match the rest of your composition- this is it.
There are two main sites it is mined from. Eastern Europe and Tanzania. The stone from Eastern Europe is often porous and challenging to work. The Tanzania (this) version is strong and consistent. It will feel like you are working an agate. If you're into inlay, this is a have to have stone in your stock pile.
Chemical Composition: SiO2 n H2O
Grade: Lapidary Grade
Appearance: Opaque
Inclusions: almost non
Approximate Size of 1 pc: 5cm x 5cm x 2.3cm
Approximate Weight of 1 pc: 65g
Rough is rough. We do our best to grade and describe pieces in the lot, but ultimately, they all differ.