Agates are a variety of chalcedony, a fine-grained form of quartz. Many agates are admired for curved bands, translucent areas, and patterns shaped over long periods as silica-rich water deposited mineral material in openings within rock.
Colors and patterns can vary considerably. Some pieces show fine stripes, while others display mottled colors or moss-like patterns. Not every colorful stone is an agate, and identifying an individual specimen can take more than appearance alone.
Montana has a long tradition of collecting attractive river-worn stones, including Montana agates. A stone’s precise origin should only be claimed when its collecting history is known.
At Earthly Treasures, we appreciate the beauty of each natural piece. We photograph and describe stones individually as our collection is reviewed.
Illustrative photograph: Eric Prouzet / Unsplash; not a photograph of our sale inventory.