Agate • Dendritic

Agate is a microcrystalline form of chalcedony. The bands and stripes give achate a distinctive and attractive appearance. It most often forms in cavities. Its crystal structure is trigonal. Hardness on the Mohs scale: 6-7, density: 2,6. It is characterised by a banded colouration which is very striking. It can be easily artificially coloured and its colours easily enhanced.

It is found in the Czech Republic, East Indies, Uruguay, Austria, South Africa, Germany, Italy, Mexico, China, USA.