Agates

Agates are banded varieties of chalcedony, a form of microcrystalline quartz, known for their striking layered patterns and vibrant colors created by mineral-rich groundwater deposits. They commonly form in volcanic rock cavities, where silica-rich solutions slowly crystallize over time. Highly prized by collectors and artisans, agates are often cut and polished for jewelry, decorative pieces, and metaphysical uses.