No gemstone is more creatively striped by nature than agate. This distinct and dramatically banded variety of chalcedony is composed of quartz layers. The composition varies greatly and can be of many colors. Each individual agate forms by filling a cavity in a host rock. As a result, agate is often found as a round nodule with concentric bands like the rings of a tree trunk. Terra Agate begins naturally, and is then enhanced with a combination of heat treatment, permanent dye, sanding and laser etching, similar to Dzi-style agate beads. The combination of translucent and opaque agate swirls in shades of blue-green, with additional etched and fired patterns is beautiful!
