AGATE

Specifications

Mineral Class: Chalcedony or Silicate
Chemical Name: Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Crystal System: Trigonal
Hardness: 6.5 - 7.5
Luster: Waxy
Diaphaneity: Translucent
Colors: Wide Variety
Symbolizes: Harmony
Source: Worldwide (including Africa, Brazil, India, Morocco, and USA)

Agate is a common rock formation, consisting of chalcedony and quartz as their primary components. Agate is found in a plethora of colors ranging in shades from brown, black, red, white, gray, yellow, orange, and more. The color variation is dependent on the impurities within the groundwater during the time of formation. Agate is also a stone that is commonly color treated in tones such as pink, blue, and purple. Agate forms in a natural process whereby silica deposits itself on top of igneous rock. The trademark bands result and the layers build up upon each other over millions of years. When Agate is found in the veins and cracks in volcanic rock, it is known as Obsidian.

Agate was discovered in Sicily, along the River Theophrastus, by the Ancient Greek Philosopher Theophrastus. In Ancient Cultures, Agate was one of the most common materials used in the art of hardstone carving, and has been recovered at a number of ancient sites, indicating its widespread use in the ancient world. This ancient stone has been popular for many reasons, including its signature stripes and translucent sheen. As well as its beautiful colors and formations making it a very unique stone. 

VARIETIES OF AGATE :
BLUE LACE AGATE        FLOWER AGATE        BOTSWANA AGATE

YELLOW AGATE        DENDRITIC AGATE        VIOLET AGATE