Banded Agate

Item Description

Agate is a variety of Chalcedony or microcrystalline / cryptocrystalline Quartz which forms in layers in a remarkable variety of colors and textures. The most familiar style of Agate is the banded variety which has multicolored layers. Idar-Oberstein, Germany was once famous for its Agate mines, and agate carving there has a long tradition which continues to this day. Agate dates back to the ancient Egyptians who used it as a gemstone more than 3,000 years ago. This is a beautiful, good sized example from a recent find in Indonesia. This "Oval" Cabochon gem featuring beautiful reddish-brown, golden-brown and pinkish hues throughout. Great quality and size, and perfect for any collector, or as a great center stone in a piece of jewelry. For the starting bid, this stone is priced at less than $2 per carat, well below wholesale.