Sparkling Agate Fine-Jewelry ... to last a lifetime
____________________________________ Most Agates formed in cavities of ancient lava flows and in eruptive rocks (rocks that came from a volcanic eruption). Agates form when gas bubbles become trapped in the solidifying lava and then become filled with alkali and silica-bearing water. Many Agates have a banded structures and are characterized by peculiarities in the shape and color of the bands, The alkali attacks the iron in the surrounding lava, and bands of the resulting iron hydroxide are created in the gel, which loses water and crystallizes, leaving the bands intact. Many Agates, when cut in cross-section, reveal striking forms. There are dozens of varieties of Agate with varied names usually given to each. Because of the nature of its formation, almost every piece has its own distinct pattern of swirls, band and / or inclusions. Here are a few of the many named varieties of Agate: Agatized Coral is a result of Coral in an Agate compositions and is often referred to as Petoskey Agate or Petoskey Stone. Fire Agate is a variety of Chalcedony which was created as a result of ancient volcanic eruptions. Saginite is a type of Chalcedony Agate that has plant or other material within it that has became part of the stone. Sometimes these inclusions are arranged in needle-like formations and command premium prices. Turritella Agate is a formation of fossil Turritella shells with a Chalcedony base. Because of the diversity of color and types of Agates, every fine jewelry collection should have several representative examples of Agate. For more information about this gemstone's relationship to other gemstones, please see Quartz Information data in this section. Colors and Sources: Agates are found worldwide with the most active sources for modern Agate mining located in Brazil, Egypt, Germany, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Russia, the United States of America and Uruguay . Note: Due to current political conditions, all imports (including gemstones) from some countries are not permitted under United States law. In accordance with the law, none of the gemstones offered by CAB-FineJewelry are known to be from these countries. CAB-FineJewelry does not knowingly purchase, trade, sell or giveaway goods from any country embargoed by the United States of America. As individuals we may not agree with some of the laws of our great country. However, rather than breaking the law, we choose to work toward changing these laws in a orderly and legal manner and encourage you to do the same. |