Product Details

3 Piece set of face polished Botswana Agate, all the stones went through stage one tumble were cut and face polished. Nice combination of moss and fortifications with a floater. Stone 2 and 3 are a matched set. Stone Dimensions: Stone 1: 1-1/2" Long x 1" Wide x 3/4" Thick 0.8 Oz Stone 2: 1-1/4" Long x 1--1/8" Wide x 3/4" Thick 1.1 Oz Stone 3: 1-1/8" Long x 3/4" Wide x 1/2" Thick 0.4 Oz Thank you for looking. The most royal of agates, Botswana agate is famed for its history, scarcity and beauty. These stones are mostly found in the Bobonong district of Botswana and are famous for the extra fine banding of white, black, shades of grey and occasional touches of pink or salmon hues. While some collectors only consider banded stones to be agates, others will include any multicolored forms of chalcedony in their collections. Banded agates such as this have been used for cameo and intaglio carving for thousands of years, with the layers of color revealed in carving paramount to the gemstone design. The banding revealed in agates is also appreciated for its beauty, while the stone's hardness is respected for its durability. Banded agates, worn plain as well as carved, have been used as talismans and amulets since the rise of the ancient Greeks. Agate jewelry was discovered in the grave of the "Griffin Warrior," dated around 1500 BC! Agate is a chalcedony which often includes fine banding of multiple colors. Botswana agate is no exception. The intricate bands were formed by repeated floods of slow-moving lava waves over lower levels of stone, laying down successive layers of silica/quartz one over the other. The weight and pressure caused tubes, pits and pockets to form in the lower layers, creating places where multiple layers could form in smooth round shapes. This makes agate a gemstone which takes a long time to form. Botswana agate is especially desired for the extra fine banding patterns created by the landscape where it formed. Mineral Information Microcrystalline quartz, banded chalcedony Chemical Composition SiO2 Color Grey background, brown, light grey, white bands Hardness 6-1/2 to 7 (Mohs) Specific Gravity 2.60 - 2.65 Refractive Index 1.544 - 1.553