Banded Agate

Item Description

Agate is a well known microcrystalline to amorphous variety of Quartz that is found a in wide variety of forms and colors. Agates have been known for thousands of yearsfrom the Achates River, now called Dirillo, in Sicily, Italy. The stone was given its name by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus who discovered the it along the shore line of the river Achates sometime between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. Most Agates form in nodules of volcanic rocks where they filled in cavities with silica which are deposited in regular layers upon the walls. The stones are then cut and exhibit a succession of parallel lines, giving the classic banded appearance that people recognize as Banded Agate. This "Freeform Cabochon" cut stone is a beautiful banded Agate from Botswana, and shows attractive lilac, mauve, smoky and silvery "bands". When backlit, the gem changes to warmer golden hues. A very cool Agate from a rather obscure locality for the material in my experience.