Agate Stone from Botswana
An attractive agate in the nodule in which it formed. The polished face reflects light beautifully.
Agate is microcrystalline quartz that occurs within a nodule encased in a host rock. The nodule is hard and resilient, so it often survives long after the host rock erodes away.
Agates, which are millions of years old, have been subjected to extreme geological stresses and strains. Although it can be found in great abundance in some areas, only a small percentage is considered attractive enough for decorative use.
The hardness of agate can vary slightly from one variety to another. The difference comes down to
its crystalline structure and the amount of
silicon dioxide present.
