Agate Or Onyx
Agate or Onyx (a type of quartz) is another semi-precious stone; ordinary agate is made of regular chalcedony layers, with most amethyst crystals in the center. The chemical composition of onyx is silica, but sometimes elements such as Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Ni, Cr is also placed next to it. Black Onyx is characterized by its fineness and light color. It is translucent, opaque, and has a glassy luster.
Agate is also called “The Earth Rainbow” because of its ability to come in such various shades and layers of color. The stone is dated back to Babylon and was used as a stone of healing. Its history stretches across the world in different times, cultures, and countries. However, it was Germany that helped the stone become popular in the 15th and 19th centuries. See More Photos From Agate
This is also why we still see it today being used in jewelry. The stone is a banded and layered mineral from the Quartz family. The variety of color these stones can come in is huge. Agate may have many meanings around the world stemming from culture to color variation but overall the stone is seen as a symbol of strength and harmonization of negative and positive energies.
Moss agate is a semi-precious gemstone formed from silicon dioxide. It is a form of chalcedony which includes minerals of a green colour embedded in the stone, forming filaments and other patterns suggestive of moss. The field is a clear or milky-white quartz, and the included minerals are mainly oxides of manganese or iron. It is not a true form of agate, as it lacks agate’s defining feature of concentric banding.
Moss agate is of the white variety with green inclusions that resemble moss. It occurs in many locations. The colors are formed due to trace amounts of metal present as an impurity, such as chrome or iron. The metals can make different colors depending on their valence (oxidation state).
Agate, a variety of chalcedony, is a popular gemstone due to the characteristic bands that form inside of the stone and come in many colors, from deep reds and soft pinks to brilliant greens, deep blues, and everything in between. Agate is also popular for gem collectors, both amateur and professional, because it is relatively easy to find and polish.
If you have a stone that you think could be agate, there are ways to quickly check, such as comparing your sample’s appearance to known agate or testing for the typical translucence of an agate stone. If you end up with a bit of agate in your collection, your stone can be polished up and made into something truly unique and beautiful!
Agate is a variety of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. Translucency, patterns of color, or moss-like inclusions may distinguish this stone from other forms of chalcedony. Agates can show a wide variety of vivid, multiple colors. These are principally the result of traces of oxides of iron, manganese, titanium, chromium, nickel, and other elements.
All agates take a wonderful polish and are tough enough for most jewelry uses. Designers often take advantage of the intriguing patterns these stones have to offer to create unique and fascinating pieces.
