Cabochon gemstone

Faceted gemstone

i

Often made from opaque or translucent stones

Often made from transparent stones

ii

One of the simplest lapidary forms is the cabochon.

Production more complex than cabochon

iii

Stone that is smoothly rounded and polished on top

Polished over the entire surface of the stone.

iv

Relatively flattish

Produced from stones with few or no inclusions.

v

Either flat or slightly rounded on the bottom (which may be either polished or sanded).

Not made from opaque stones

vi

Also frequently used for transparent materials that contain too many inclusions to yield a good faceted stone.

Highly symmetrical pattern

vii

Colouration and patterning provide the major interest in cabochon.

Faceted gemstone has many faces