Agate
Silica, SiO2
White to grey, light blue, orange to red, black
Hexagonal crystal system
Agate, while physically identical to quartz, is also chemically identical to jasper, petrified wood and tiger’s eye. Petrified (agatized) wood is actually agate that has replaced the organic matter of the tree slowly over a long span of time. The structure of the tree remains, but the tree itself is a fossil. Agate is also commonly found in geodes.
There are many diverse types of agate found all over the world. In North America the majority of agate produced comes from the western states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and California. Lace agate has been found in southern California, Mexico and Texas, and is translucent blue and white. Some moss agate is found Yellowstone National Park and the Yellowstone River of Montana, and can be anywhere from white to green agate with green to brown to red with black inclusions that resemble moss or landscapes dotted with trees.
For centuries, agate has been used as a valuable talisman that was said to quench thirst, protect from fevers and make the wearer agreeable. Eye amulets are used to cure skin disease and ward off the “evil eye”. White forms of agate were used to cure bouts of insomnia. Moss agate has been worn to help the health of one’s eyes and mouth. Agate is also used to make mortars and pestles as well as the fulcrum for balances. Shooting marbles were commonly made of agate as well.
Agate can be chemically and/or heat treated to almost any color. Many of the color banded agates on the market have been altered in some way or another.
Black Jet Agate
Black Jet agate is a fossilized coal that has been polished. Found in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.
Blue Lace Agate
Blue Lace Agate is a translucent light blue agate that has a milky white lace or wavy pattern throughout it. It is said to bring calmness to those who wear it.
Botswana Agate
Botswana Agate is named for the country from where it is mined in Africa. It comes in a variety of pinks, grays and lavenders, banded with fine lines of tan, mahogany, pink and white.
Crazy Lace Agate
Crazy Lace Agate is composed of twisting and turning bands of various colors.
Gold Leaf Agate
Moss Agate
Moss Agate is a colorless and translucent form of chalcedony that has small inclusions of green moss-like patterns throughout. Found in India, China, Russia and Colorado. Moss Agate and Tree Agate are very similar.
Tree Agate
Tree Agate is a type of chalcedony quartz that is very common. It is an off white agate with mottled green and/or brown patterns throughout that resemble trees. Tree Agate is said to bring inner peace.
