How much does it cost? Heusler is
off ering cabs for about $6 to $8 per
gram, or anywhere from $20 to $90
a stone, depending on size. Slabs go
for about $20 to $40 each. Naturally,
custom cabs will be more.
How hard is it to find? This is not a
common stone. You’re more likely to
fi nd cabs at the larger shows, such as
Tucson or Quartzite. A search of the
Web turned up few cabs.
What kind of jewelry can I put this
in? Although the material is soft — 2 to
5 on the Mohs scale — it can be set in
almost anything. Both the serpentine
and the chrysotile are reasonably tough,
though the fi brous material could
splinter and chip. Although it will scratch
over time, says Heusler, because of
the variations in color and the pattern,
scratches will disappear “like a polar
bear in a snowstorm.”
How easy is it to set? Easy.
What settings are best? Bezels are
most common for cabbed stones, but
prongs or interrupted bezels, too, may
be employed.
Artisan/studio dos and don’ts: No
acids. “Pickle will eat it alive,” says
Set It
SERPENTINE
CHRYSOTILE
PENDANT WITH
RHODOCHROSITEPAGE20
Heusler. Avoid the steamer as well.
Because of the softness, use special care
when burnishing the bezel.Warning! If you cut chrysotile and
serpentine, wear a respirator and work
under water! This material contains
asbestos fi bers which can cause lung
disease over time.Wearer dos and don’ts: Do not store
with harder stones that may scratch it.
Do not expose to perfumes and do not
wear it into the pool.SHARON ELAINE THOMPSON is a freelance writer
based in Oregon. She has written for Lapidary
Journal Jewelry Artist since 1987. You can learn more
about her and read previous articles at
http://www.jewelryartdiva.com.Stones with the pattern at an angle can create a great deal of visual
interest, especially if that pattern is carried into the mounting
around it.
January/February 2016^19