Agate

Fine-Jewelry ... to last a lifetime

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Agate Information:
Agate is a semiprecious mineral that has been known and used for over 20,000 years as a gem and for ornamental purposes. Agate is a variety of Chalcedony which, itself, is a form of Quartz. Agate is identical with the composition and physical properties of Quartz. According to some sources, the name agate was named after the river Achates where the stone was first found. Other source believe that the name agate is from the Greek word for happy. Agates are closely associated with Flint, Jasper, Petrified Wood and Tiger Eye.

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 Fossil 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:
Agates occurs in almost all colors including blue, black, brown, gray, green, pink, reddish, and yellow. In addition to the colors, there is an equally wide spectrum of opacity ranging from transparent to opaque.

Important Note about Color: The actual color and lightness or darkness of the stone will vary from what is displayed on your monitor. There are many reasons that can cause this visual situation, One of the more important reason is the difference between transmitted light color (such as light shining through a gemstone), color generation simulations and adjustments (such as your monitor) and reflected light (light bouncing off objects). Add to this each individual’s personal color sensitivities along with variances in ambient (surrounding) light sources used when the photo was taken as well as those where you are looking at the stone. You should expect that the actual item shading and coloring will vary from what you see on any monitor or printed piece.

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 .

Sources 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.

Care:
This gemstone should be sparingly cleaned using lukewarm, mild, soapy water and rinsed with the same temperature water. Avoid sudden changes of temperature and, as with all fine jewelry, remove before doing any type of physical work. Traditional gemstone procedure of storing in soft cloth away from other articles of jewelry hold true, too. Ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners and chemicals should never be used. Hair-spray and perfumes can leave permanent residue on all gemstones so be sure to keep your jewelry far away from these common items.
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