Agate

Agate (ˈa-gət )

Agate is a variety of Chalcedony, a banded and fibrous variety. It is made of fibrous length-fast (referring to polarized light component that is vibrating parallel to the crystal length) chalcedony and sometimes a quartzine (which is a less common, length-slow version of chalcedony) fibers. It is slightly porous and can easily be dyed. Agates naturally have a Waxy or Dull luster and their hardness is 6.5-7.

These crystals are extremely common. The colors and patterns found in agate are so varied and often distinctive for their localities. Because of this, there is no shortage of ever changing trade names or varieties of agate.