| Specimen Details | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.77 oz’s – 248.5 g |
| Dimensions | 5.061″ x 2.619″ tall/wide (12.855 x 6.653 cm’s) |
| Country of Origin | Madagascar |
Polished Banded Agate Flame W/Druzy Cave
NZD $64.00
SKU: P5682
This specimen is Banded agate. Cut and Polished into a Flame/ Teardrop shape that is self standing. The stone itself is completely natural, no heat treatment or dyes of any kind – this is surprisingly rare! From greys and browns to blacks with splatterings of whites and blues each piece really holds its own. This particular piece features an incredible Quartz inclusion and phenomenal blue banding!
In stock
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Agate Origins & Background
Agate is a banded variety of Chalcedony Quartz, valued for its wide range of colors, intricate patterns, and grounding visual presence. Unlike single-crystal Quartz, Agate forms in layered microcrystalline structures, giving rise to its distinctive banding and scenic patterns.
The name Agate is believed to originate from the Achates River (modern-day Dirillo River) in Sicily, where agates were collected in ancient times. Agate has been used for tools, seals, jewelry, and ornamental objects for thousands of years across many cultures.
Major Agate-producing regions include Brazil, Uruguay, India, Madagascar, Mexico, and the United States. Different localities produce distinct color palettes and banding styles, making provenance especially interesting for collectors.
Agates often display concentric banding, fortification patterns, or plume-like inclusions. These features are natural records of mineral-rich fluid deposition over long geological periods.
Historically, Agate has been associated with protection, balance, and stability. Many ancient cultures believed Agate offered grounding energy and physical protection during travel or battle.
Agate Geological Information
Agate is a microcrystalline variety of Quartz (Silicon Dioxide – SiO₂), belonging to the Chalcedony group. It forms when silica-rich fluids fill cavities in volcanic or sedimentary rock and slowly crystallize in layers.
Over time, successive deposits of silica create Agate’s characteristic banding. Variations in trace minerals, temperature, and fluid chemistry influence color and pattern formation.
Agate commonly forms in volcanic environments, particularly within gas bubbles in basalt. As these cavities are gradually filled, layered growth develops from the outer edges inward.
Common Geological Occurrences
- Volcanic basalt cavities
- Silica-rich sedimentary environments
- Hydrothermal Quartz deposits
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Chalcedony (Agate variety) |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ |
| Crystal System | Trigonal (microcrystalline) |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 6.5 – 7 |
| Luster | Waxy to vitreous |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
Agate Crystal Care & Ownership Advice
⚠️ Sunlight & Heat:
Agate is generally stable in sunlight, but dyed Agates may fade with prolonged exposure. Natural Agate is best displayed in indirect or ambient light for long-term preservation.
✋ Handling:
Agate is durable, but sharp impacts can chip edges, especially on polished pieces. Handle with reasonable care.
🧼 Cleaning:
Agate is water-safe. Clean using lukewarm water and a soft brush or cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that could affect surface polish or dye (if present).
📦 Storage & Display:
Store Agate away from harder or sharper stones that may scratch its surface. Polished Agates display well on padded stands or natural wood surfaces.
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Banded Agate Origins & Background
Banded Agate is a classic and widely recognized variety of Chalcedony Quartz, defined by its rhythmic, layered banding patterns. These bands may appear as concentric rings, fortification-style lines, or flowing layers that reflect the stone’s gradual formation process.
Banded Agate has been used by human cultures for thousands of years for tools, seals, amulets, and ornamental objects. Its durability and striking patterns made it especially valued in ancient civilizations across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Asia.
Significant sources of Banded Agate include Brazil, Uruguay, India, Madagascar, Mexico, and the United States. Different regions produce distinctive banding styles and color combinations.
The layered appearance of Banded Agate has long been associated symbolically with protection, stability, and continuity, reflecting the stone’s slow, methodical growth over geological time.
Naturally occurring Banded Agate can appear in a wide range of color combinations. Some specimens on the market are dyed to enhance contrast or vibrancy, which is common within the Agate family.
Banded Agate Geological Information
Banded Agate is a microcrystalline variety of Quartz (Silicon Dioxide – SiO₂) belonging to the Chalcedony group. It forms when silica-rich fluids fill cavities in volcanic or sedimentary rock and crystallize in successive layers.
Each band represents a distinct phase of mineral deposition. Variations in trace elements, temperature, and fluid chemistry result in changes in color, translucency, and texture between layers.
Banded Agate commonly forms within gas cavities in basaltic lava flows. Over long periods, silica is deposited from the outer walls inward, creating the characteristic concentric or fortification banding.
Common Geological Occurrences
- Volcanic basalt cavities
- Silica-rich sedimentary environments
- Associated with Quartz, Jasper, and other Chalcedony varieties
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Chalcedony (Banded Agate variety) |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ |
| Crystal System | Trigonal (microcrystalline) |
| Hardness (Mohs Scale) | 6.5 – 7 |
| Luster | Waxy to vitreous |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
Banded Agate Crystal Care & Ownership Advice
⚠️ Sunlight & Heat:
Natural Banded Agate is generally stable, but dyed specimens may fade with prolonged exposure to intense sunlight. Display in indirect or ambient light when possible.
✋ Handling:
Banded Agate is durable, but sharp impacts can chip polished edges. Handle with care, especially slabs and freeforms.
🧼 Cleaning:
Banded Agate is water-safe. Clean using lukewarm water and a soft cloth or brush. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners if dye treatment is suspected.
📦 Storage & Display:
Store away from harder stones that may scratch its surface. Padded stands or cloth separation are recommended for polished pieces.

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