Natural Agate Bowl Ref: 0376

Natural agate is a common rock form — a cryptocrystalline quartz, mainly chalcedony — characterized by its fineness of grain and brightness of colour. These stones form mainly in cavities of volcanic rocks and are famous for their colourful, curved, or concentric-banded patterns.

Key Features

• Banding: Shows distinct, unique stripes or layers formed by alternating mineral solutions.
• Waxy Luster: Displays a smooth, slightly waxy sheen rather than a glassy look.
• Translucency: Allows light to pass slightly through thin edges or windows.
• Hardness: Rates about 7 on the Mohs scale, meaning steel knives cannot scratch it.

Formation and Types

• Volcanic Origin: Grows layer-by-layer inside ancient gas bubbles in cooling lava.
• Colour Variety: Appears in shades of red, brown, Gray, blue, white, and green depending on iron and other impurities.
• Popular Varieties: Includes moss agate (with green plant-like inclusions), Botswana agate, and blue lace agate.

Ref: 0376 (For my use only)