Agate

A translucent variety of microcrystalline quartz, Agate is a semi-precious chalcedony occurring in a wide range of colours including brown, white, red, grey, pink, black, and yellow. The colours are caused by traces of oxides of iron, manganese, titanium, chromium, nickel, and other elements and occur as alternating bands within the stone. Patterns of colour or moss-like inclusions may distinguish this stone from other forms of chalcedony, and Sri Lanka is popular for blue-tinted agate.