| QUARTZ | | | | | | CHALCEDONY | | | | | | AGATES |
the most diverse gemstone |
The study of agates is a lesson in colors and patterns.
A family of semi-precious gemstones comprised, generally, of the mineral quartz. Chemically the same as the iconic 6 sided prismatic-shaped quartz crystals, chalcedony is the amorphous form of quartz and lacks any organized crystal shape. In its pure state, chalcedony, more commonly known as either agate or jasper, is colorless and almost water clear. Over time, however, solutions of ground water and dissolved chalcedony known as silicate slowly permeate and fill cavities in host rocks and the remains of dead trees or dinosaur bones. As agates form in these natural molds, additional trace minerals and elements develop the colors, patterns and inclusions that give agates and jaspers their unique and beautiful characteristics.
Lost in a pile of agate names? There are as many different names as there are agate locations. Go here to try and sort through this pile. |
We invite you to browse our agate gallery for exceptional examples of these unique and collectible minerals.
| AGATE GALLERIES | The Agate’s most
COMMON NAME | Usually this
AGATE VARIETY | obtained from this
LOCATION | | Aqua Nueva | Banded | Rancho Aqua Nueva – Chihuahua, Mexico | | Dryhead | Banded | Montana | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
 |
|
