Agate is of chalcedony family, which in general terms is a microcrystalline quartz. It is famous for the beauty of the banding and patterns that are produced by numerous inclusions within the stone. Blue, green, red, yellow and white agate are available in the market depending on the chalcedony used.
In the spaces of rocks and especially volcanic rock pockets when the water rich in silica flows into the voids, agate is formed. Ionic bonds hold the water together, but silica minerals are left behind and re-crystallize into gemstones. Thus, their formation process differs from the formation process of other gem types, and agate is formed due to the deposition of several layers over time.
Types of Agate Gemstones
Agate is chalcedony, which can be found in a variety of colors, and various designs. It is a banded form of micro crystalline quartz. The colourful bands in the centre of the jewel that distinguishes the semi-precious stone are created by layers of deposits of agate that are entrap and built on top of the other. Here are some of the most popular types of agate:
Here are some of the most popular types of agate:
Blue Lace Agate
Also called blue lace agate that is well-known for light blue banded patterns it is believed to harmonize persons and bring them peace of mind.
Moss Agate
This type has extras that are green and seem like moss. Although it is called a moss agate, it is not strictly speaking an agate since it doesn’t have the banding of the agate variety.
Crazy Lace Agate
Other common name of the stone is Mexican Agate; this stone has got broken black and white strips all over the piece. It is usually multicoloured with well marked bands and spiral patterns.
Fire Agate
Native to Mexico, fire agate has a brown body that displays red, orange and green colors in the form of flames. It is thought to be capable of the grounding its users, that is, it has the ability to tap into the earth energy.
Dendritic Agate
Cohesive agate is characterized by the silvery body now known as the dendrites, which look like trees or ferns. These are normally Manganese or Iron oxide particles.
Botswana Agate
The type is found in Botswana, Africa and its characteristic features include fine bands of pinks, grays and browns. They believed to afford protective features as well as warmth to the user.
Laguna Agate
Laguna agate is liked most of all for its rather narrow bands and the presence of very bright californian colors. This bean is originally from Mexico, and more specifically from the Chihuahua state.
Plume Agate
The plume agate contains feathers which make it to look real having a three dimensional view. These inclusions seem to have a planerized nature of plant like fossils.
Condor Agate
Condor agate hails from Argentina and can easily be identified with the clear and strong bands on the material and juicy colors.
Fortification Agate
This type has a resemblance to the bird’s-eye view of a castle and depicts angular stripes that aligned with the formation of a cavity the tubular structure comprised.
All classifications have their own specific continuation and shade, so each will be one of a kind. They are mostly applied in jewelry and carving of ornaments due to their hardness and elegance. Other notable features of agates are that it is also collected by enthusiasts and lovers of the stone’s organic work of art.
