Agate

Agate is a variety of quartz that comes in a variety of colours and stripes. It has a layered texture that is the result of the gradual deposition of minerals in cavities or fissures in rocks. Agate is made up of microscopic quartz crystals that are deposited layer by layer.

The colour of agate can vary from white, grey, brown to various shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue or purple. These colours are often combined in stripes to create distinctive patterns and images on the surface of the stone.

Agate has a matte to waxy sheen and its surface can be smooth or rough, depending on the way the stone material has been processed. The inside of agate is usually hollow and may contain various minerals that create interesting patterns and colour effects.

This variety of quartz is popular for making various decorative items such as bracelets, necklaces, rings and pipes. Agate is also often used to make decorative items such as vases, statuettes and decorative stone slabs.