Agate (17)
Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely color patterns and banding make this translucent gemstone very unique. Agates can have many distinctive styles and patterns, but each Agate is unique in its own habit, with no two Agates being the same. Agate can be cut and polished into cabochons, or used as beads for necklaces and bracelets. It can also carved into cameos which can be worn as pendants.
Agate makes an exquisite ornamental stone, and is often cut into slabs, animal carvings, ornate book ends, and small statues and figures. Historically, ornaments such as knife handles, pins, snuff boxes and the like have been cut from Agate. Agates used as gemstones may be naturally colored, but they are also often dyed. This is especially true of the Agates that have more intense colors. Hot pink, blue, or green colors in Agate are usually always dyed.
Please note that the photos are taken close up to show natural flaws and inclusions that are common to all Gemstones and give them their unique qualities.