Victorian era black material

Some areas have tiny pits, some is smooth. Doesn't leave a streak on paper. A streak on 400 grit sandpaper is fairly grey. One segment has a mold like line down one side.

 

THAT'S interesting....can't say I've seen a black (mostly) cross before....the pearl is a nice touch.....does the other test as gold?? And could the black be obsidian?? Maybe a mourning cross......can we see the mold line? Sorry Terry for all my questions!!!!

 

Gutta percha perhaps.

Debora

 

Just visible in this one segment

About 14K. No sign of it being rolled plate.

 

Given the surface pitting, perhaps French jet, (which is glass).

 

Gold-filled and glass with a seed pearl...certainly possible. I'd hit the cross with a diamond tester. Even a cheap junky one like mine will read glass. The end doesn't read wood coral to me. Gutta percha and vulcanite change color over time, but that notch on the end...could be.

 

This one is very similar to yours:
A Victorian Antique Black Glass or French Jet Christian Cross | Etsy
("French jet" is black glass. It was used to simulate real, ie: Whitby, jet.)