What is opaque or translucent rough often shaped into?

Opaque or translucent rough is often shaped into cabochons because this technique showcases the stone's color and pattern effectively while masking any inclusions or other imperfections that might be more visible in faceted gems. Cabochons are typically polished to a smooth, rounded or flat surface, allowing the natural beauty of the material to shine without the distraction of facets, which are more suited to transparent stones.

This method of shaping is particularly advantageous for stones that do not have the clarity required for faceting or for those that exhibit interesting surface characteristics, such as chatoyancy or asterism. As a result, cabochons can optimize the visual appeal of opaque or translucent materials, making them a popular choice among gem cutters and jewelry designers. This contrasts with the other options, which are less suitable for rough materials that lack transparency.