Agate is a semi-precious stone often used in jewellery. It is a form of the mineral Quartz, known as Chalcedony. It is only known as agate when it is banded as shown by this specimen. There is almost always a difference in colour and translucency between individual bands. This example is a polished, oval flat cabochon and is 33 carats in weight.
The name agate comes from an occurrence in the river Achates (now the Drillo) in the South west of Sicily The old term of achates does not quite equate with our modern agate, since other minerals, including some alabasters, were also known as achates.
Agate is by no means uncommon in Britain and is known from several localities. Scotland in particular is known for particularly high quality agates. In Southern Perthshire, the Ochil Hills have produced many fine agates in the past and continue to do so today.
Info. by - Stuart YORYM : 2006.107
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