Tabasco Geodes

Marquez Mining Tabasco Geode

illianite front (1970's)

illianite rear (1970's)

Charles Albert Tabasco Pendant (2016)

illianite necklace (1970's)

illianite necklace rear (1970's)

Tabasco Geodes, formally known as Illianites, are the world's smallest geode formation. Tabasco geodes have a distinct green (with an occasional red) outer shell (rind) of agate with tiny quartz crystals or drusy quartz in the center vug. The colors of the vugs are normally red, grey, black, blue or white.

"Illianites" were a very hot jewelry item when these Tabasco Geodes were first introduced in the mid to late 1970's. These colorful tiny geodes were cut in half, polished and the rind was then coated with 24k gold electroplate. Due to their popularity, there was a mad rush to get these and soon they were no longer available…until almost 50 years later

We were contacted in early 2018 by a family member of Marquez Mining. He informed us that his family owns the Tabasco Geode mines and that these once played out geodes were now available again. These geodes are not easily mined. These small geodes are literally hammered and chiseled out of the massive host rock, which is a solid Basalt flow up to 12 feet thick in a mountain. The Marquez family now owns the mining operation, cutting and polishing operations and distribution. Marquez Mining is located in Tabasco, Zacatecas, Mexico. We look forward to getting more of these previously elusive tiny geodes. These wonderful natural baby geodes are perfect for making jewelry or as an addition to your collection!