Hand Made Leopard stone "Great Zimbabwe Bird" Pendant with Copper Wire Wrap and Thong - sold per piece - From Zimbabwe

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

Leopard Stone – A Unique Serpentine Gem with Captivating Patterns

Leopard Stone, a stunning serpentine gem from the Nyanga region of eastern Zimbabwe, is known for its striking black spots against a pale green background. This rare gem features bold, eye-catching patterns, making it a true geological wonder. Historically used in Shona art carvings, the traditional art of polishing Leopard Stone had faded, but expert Zimbabwean lapidaries have recently revived this craft. Our newly polished pieces are now available, offering something truly unique for any collection or retail space. 

The original carved birds are from the ruined city of Great Zimbabwe, which was built by ancestors of the Shona, starting in the 11th century and inhabited for over 300 years. The ruins, after which modern Zimbabwe was named, cover some 730 hectares (1,800 acres) and are the largest ancient stone construction in sub-Saharan Africa.

PRODUCT MINERALS 
Hydrous Magnesium Silicate

PRODUCT FEATURES 
Monoclinic

PRODUCT COLOUR 
Black, Green, Yellow

MOHS HARDNESS SCALE
3 to 6

PRODUCT DATA
Locality = Nyanga, Zimbabwe
Grade = Very Good Grade
Size = 8 - 35 - 41/51 mm