This Agate raw stones come from the Gobi Desert of China.

Gobi Desert Agate obtained its shape and size as a result of from being tumbled across the desert sands of Mongolia.

Each piece is unique and no two pieces are the same.

Weight: 84.6 gram

Size:  55 x 40 x 23 mm 

***

Agate is a common semiprecious silica mineral that has long been used as a gem and ornamental. Agate is the most common variety of chalcedony which is a form of quartz. Agate is, in fact, identical with quartz in composition and physical properties. Composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), it has a hardness of 7, a glassy luster, a conchoidal fracture, and a specific gravity of 2.60.

Most agates occur in cavities of eruptive rocks or ancient lavas. These agates have a banded structure, successive layers being approximately parallel to the sides of the cavity. During crystallization, the colored bands are not disturbed. Varieties of agate are characterized by peculiarities in the shape and color of the bands, which are seen in sections cut at right angles to the layers.

Agate forms when gas bubbles trapped in solidifying lava become filled with alkali and silica-bearing waters, which coagulate into a gel. 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.

Agate is a variety of chalcedony which is a microcrystalline quartz. Agate is a more translucent microcrystalline quartz and technically is striped, though many stones named agates are not striped, whereas jasper is more opaque. There are many, many different types of agates in many different color combinations, and they are found all over the world. Different types are known for different appearances and/or properties.

According to ancient superstition, wearing agate made one agreeable, persuasive, prudent yet bold. It brought God's favor and bestowed the power to vanquish enemies and acquire riches. White agate supposedly cured insomnia.