Agate is a beautiful and versatile gem that can be used to make nearly any type of jewelry. Choices are nearly endless, from bold bands to shimmering crystals, and the soft patterns of moss agate to the bright colors of dyed blue, pink and purple agate.

Agate usually occurs in cavities that have formed from volcanoes. Agates are known to have bands that come in many colors and resemble the rings of a tree. Scientists say that agate is created when gas bubbles inside of cooling lava include saline water. These gas bubbles with saline water turn into a gel. Since there is salt in the water, it attacks the surrounding iron in the lava and creates bands. These bands are extremely intricate and beautiful.

It should be noted that no two stones are the same, making each agate stone unique and more precious. Agate comes in many different colors and usually in its raw state is dull and rough. In order for agate to show its true beauty it must be polished.

Agate is widely distributed, although the main deposits are in India, Brazil, Madagascar, China, Russia and Australia. According to Greek legend, Agate was found in the river Achates, which is now called the Drillo River, located in Sicily. However, there is evidence that Stone Age men used agate more than 15,000 years ago. Today, you can easily find sources in the Western United States, Mexico, Germany, Italy, Brazil, China, India, Africa, etc.

The color of agate can vary significantly, depending on the distribution of minerals within each band. Minerals that contribute to the stone color include: iron oxides (red, brown, black, green), manganese (pink, violet, black), chromium (green, yellow, red), titanium (blue), cobalt (red), nickel (green), and copper (red, blue, and green). The shade of color is further modified when these minerals work in combination. The color can occur through an agate band, or it can form as small, dot-like inclusions. Color can also be influenced by temperature, radiation, pressure, and weathering.

There are many different types of agate depending on the colors and formation. Common types of agate include black agate,blue agate, moss agate, green agate, tree and wood agate, Indian black skin agate, Montana agate, banded agate, red agate, graveyard point agate.