Introduction to Agates

Agates are part of the quartz family and can be found all over the world. Quartz is the crystal form of silicon dioxide and is very hard, Mohs scale of mineral hardness 7 or 8. What differs agates from other types of quartz is their banding seen throughout the stone. Chalcedony, a type of quartz, consists of a microcrystalline structure; carnelian and Chrysoprase fall under this category. The different mineral content give these stones its color. Chalcedony stones that are banded are classified as agates are also known as the banded Chalcedony. Depending on the trace mineral within the agate, can be gray, blue, red, yellow, brown, black, white, and green. For example, Agates that are red to orange contain trace amounts of iron oxide to give the reddish color. Agates are mostly translucent, have a waxy luster, and are porous. Agates form from an empty pocket within a rock. Microcrystals build upon each other layer by layer, slowly forming concentric bands or rings that are heavily influenced by changes in pressure, temperature, and mineral content. As a result each Agate stone is unique.

Botswana Banded Agate Nugget Copper Beaded Necklace 28 inch