Cantellated

Cantellated is a term used in lapidary and gemology to describe a type of surface treatment or cut in which a mineral’s exterior is faceted with a pattern of small, stepped facets. The technique exposes additional crystal faces by removing thin outer layers, producing a textured surface that sparkles as light strikes numerous tiny facets. Cantellated stones often display a lacy, honeycomb, or serrated appearance along the exposed areas.

The term is most commonly applied to quartz varieties, including quartz crystals, amethyst, citrine, and agate. Cantellated quartz is prized for its distinctive surface pattern, which can enhance brilliance relative to a plain cabochon while maintaining a relatively smooth base shape. The texture can be uniform along all exposed faces or concentrated along edges and margins.

Process and variation: cantellation is achieved with diamond tools or other precision abrasive equipment that remove successive layers from the stone’s surface. The cutter preserves the overall form of the specimen or gemstone while creating a network of small facets that reveal interior crystal reflections. The resulting texture may be more or less pronounced depending on the extent of material removal and the desired aesthetic.

In use, cantellated stones are employed in jewelry, mineral collections, and display pieces. They are valued for their unique surface pattern and the additional play of light from multiple microfacets. Care considerations are similar to other quartz varieties; the delicate facet edges can be prone to chipping ifroughly handled, and cleaning should avoid harsh solvents that could dull the facets.