Reviews
6.05" Tall Polished Kambaba Bookends - Madagascar
This is an gorgeous pair of bookends made from kambaba jasper, collected from Madagascar. Two sides of each bookend have been cut flat and polished to a glossy finish, with the rest being left rough/natural. The bottoms have been cut flat to allow them to stand up nicely on a flat surface.
Each bookend varies slightly in size, with one measuring 6.05" tall, 3.65" wide and 2.7" thick while the other is 5.9" tall, 3.35" wide and 2.45" thick. Together these bookends weigh just over 5 lbs.
Each bookend varies slightly in size, with one measuring 6.05" tall, 3.65" wide and 2.7" thick while the other is 5.9" tall, 3.35" wide and 2.45" thick. Together these bookends weigh just over 5 lbs.
About Kambaba Jasper
Kambaba jasper—also known in the trade as “crocodile jasper”—is a striking, green-and-black ornamental stone originating from the west-central Bongolava region of Madagascar. Despite the name, it isn’t a true jasper at all, but a rhyolitic volcanic rock that formed from ancient silica-rich lava flows. Its signature appearance comes from swirling green groundmass punctuated by dark, orbicular structures composed of fine amphibole needle aggregates. These orbs can resemble reptilian or amphibian eyes, which is how the nickname “crocodile jasper” arose.
A long-standing misconception suggests that Kambaba jasper is a stromatolite (a fossilized bacterial mat), but scientific study has shown this is incorrect—its textures are igneous rather than biological in origin. Even so, its bold patterning, deep green coloration, and polishable surface have made it a popular decorative material for carvings, spheres, palm stones, and jewelry. When finished, it displays a dramatic, almost ancient look that highlights the unique geological processes that shaped Madagascar’s volcanic landscapes.
Kambaba jasper—also known in the trade as “crocodile jasper”—is a striking, green-and-black ornamental stone originating from the west-central Bongolava region of Madagascar. Despite the name, it isn’t a true jasper at all, but a rhyolitic volcanic rock that formed from ancient silica-rich lava flows. Its signature appearance comes from swirling green groundmass punctuated by dark, orbicular structures composed of fine amphibole needle aggregates. These orbs can resemble reptilian or amphibian eyes, which is how the nickname “crocodile jasper” arose.
A long-standing misconception suggests that Kambaba jasper is a stromatolite (a fossilized bacterial mat), but scientific study has shown this is incorrect—its textures are igneous rather than biological in origin. Even so, its bold patterning, deep green coloration, and polishable surface have made it a popular decorative material for carvings, spheres, palm stones, and jewelry. When finished, it displays a dramatic, almost ancient look that highlights the unique geological processes that shaped Madagascar’s volcanic landscapes.
$115
SPECIES
Quartz, Pyroxene & Alkali Feldspar Conglomerate
LOCATION
Tsiroanomandidy, West-Central Bongolava, Madagascar
SIZE
6.05 x 3.65", up to 2.7" thick
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#378833
