Agate is generally an inexpensive gemstone when used in jewelry. It is cut and polished into cabochons, and used as beads for necklaces and bracelets. It is also carved into cameos which can be worn as pendants. Agate makes an exquisite ornamental stone, and is cut into slabs, animal carvings, ornate book ends, and small statues and figures ...

Agate usually forms in rounded nodules or knobs which need to be sliced open to bring out the internal pattern hidden in the stone. Most Agate is ugly in its natural state; specimens must be polished to bring out their full beauty. Much of the Agate sold to collectors has been treated, in the form of tumbled stones or polished slabs.

Though often a solid color, it may also be banded, in which case it would be jointly classified as both Agate and Carnelian. Carnelian is an ancient gemstone, having been used as gem material since antiquity. Although still used a gemstone today, its significance and value has been diminished since the ancient times.

The variety Agate is a multicolored form, well known for its distinctive banding patterns. Some forms of Chalcedony, such as Chrysoprase, are intensely colored, while others are light. In blue Chalcedony, the deeper the color, the more desirable the gemstone. The classic Chalcedony varieties are described below: Agate

Agate Jasper - Opaque multicolored Jasper, or Jasper with banding; may also refer to a single stone with a combination of both Agate and Jasper. Biggs Jasper - Jasper from Biggs Junction, Oregon, with varying light and dark color brown bands and pretty formations.

Chalcedony is a very important ornamental stone. The varieties Agate , Chrysoprase , Carnelian , Sard , Tiger's Eye , Bloodstone , Jasper , and Moss Agate are all carved into cabochon s and beads, making fine yet inexpensive gems.

Agate Jasper . Opaque multicolored ... or Jasper with banding; may also refer to a single stone with a ...

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This material can be polished and dyed and used as an ornamental stone. Green Onyx - Often refers to Chalcedony dyed a deep green color; may also refer to Agate banded light green and white. Sometimes also incorrectly used to describe green Onyx Marble (above). Onyx Opal - Banded, dark colored Opal.

Agate from the Mexican locality of Agua Nueva. Agua Nueva Agate is known for its purple and pink banding formations.