Agate is a rock composed of generally banded chalcedony. Agate is the queen of gemstones, although its value today is not comparable to that of precious stones, its variety of shapes and colors has no equal. Today, over 6,000 varieties of agate are known, more than all other gems combined.
Agate is the first stone worked by man as a gem more than 9000 years ago, appreciated above all for its durability and resistance. The modern cut allows to enhance the color and pattern that these stones hide.
There are agates from many localities, but the most beautiful agates in the world are found in Mexico, India, Morocco, Argentina, Australia and the USA.
Snakeskin agate is a unique variety of agate known for its scaly surface, reminiscent of snake skin. It comes from Rome, in the east of the state of Oregon, USA.
It is a type of chalcedony, a microcrystalline variety of quartz and therefore agate, but inside it is massive, without bands or other structures. For this reason it is sold in the form of the complete natural nodule, uncut and unpolished. These nodules can be brown, greyish or white in colour.
One theory on the formation of this complex and controversial agate would be its consideration as a fossil microbialite. These small siliceous concretions are interpreted to be of microbial origin as discussed in the book “Biominerals“, page 321 (Campos-Venuti, 2022). The internal structure is pure translucent chalcedony without any clue on they origin, but the skin with pinnacles and furrows is undoubtedly a bioconstruction, very similar to many stromatolites. So this is a real fossil microbialite. Colloidal silica precipitate inside the biofilm in the form of a small lump. Then the lumps agglomerate together slowly forming the nodule.
Features of this item:
• Guaranteed authenticity: 100% natural Snakeskin agate of guaranteed origin.
• Color and appearance: Complete nodule of pure white color and without defects.
• Hardness: 6.5 – 7 on the Mohs scale.
• Cut: Natural nodule. Uncut and unpolished.
• To learn more about agates we have for sale two very interesting books “Genesis and classification of agates and jaspers: a new theory” and “Banded agates: a genetic approach”, both books in English, by the author Marco Campos Venuti, graduate in Geology and PhD in Volcanology.
For Jewelers:
Thanks to its durability and variety of colors, Agate has been and is widely used in the manufacture of all kinds of jewelry and other artistic forms such as cameos, vases, urns and jewelry boxes, among others.
For Collectors:
Agates with well-defined bands, striking patterns or rare colors are highly valued.
For Energy Therapies:
• It is associated with harmony and emotional balance.
• It is believed to provide serenity and mental clarity.
• It strengthens the connection with nature and general well-being.
• Linked to the heart chakra and the throat chakra, promoting communication and inner peace.
Discover the magic of natural gemstones
Our natural gems have been meticulously selected for their quality, beauty and authenticity. Each piece has unique characteristics, making them perfect for collectors, artisan jewelers, stone lovers, and those seeking spiritual balance.
Details that make the difference
• 100% natural gemstones of guaranteed origin. We control the entire process, from the purchase of the rough by expert mineralogists, geologists and gemologists, to its cutting in our trusted lapidary.
• Ideal for jewelers: enhances the exclusivity of your designs.
• Attractive for collectors: unique pieces with exceptional details.
• Perfect for therapies: they channel energy and balance.
Why choose us
We offer pieces that combine aesthetics, energy and quality and that have been carefully selected so that you can enjoy the best in natural gemstones.
