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Brazilian Agate Rings
Agate is one of the commonest of all rock-forming minerals and
one of the most important constituents of the earth's crust. Chemically, it is
silicon dioxide, SiO2. Agates are identical in chemical structure to
jasper, flint, chert, petrified wood, and tiger's-eye, and are often found in
association with opal. The colorful, banded rocks are used as a semiprecious
gemstone and in the manufacture of grinding equipment. An agate's banding forms
as silica from solution is slowly deposited into cavities and veins in older
rock. The stones can be artificially stained to produce combinations of color
more vivid than those found in the natural state. The cutting and staining of
agates has long been centered at Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Important sources of
agate are Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States (Oregon, Washington, and around
Lake Superior). The moss agate or mocha stone contains visible impurities in the
form of dendritic shapes that resemble moss. These cabochons were cut from
material collected in Rio Grande de Sul, Brazil.
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Very dark 7x11 triangle cabochon of beautiful agate from Rio Grande de Sul. I added some silver spirals for embellishment
and mounted the whole thing on a petite size 5 handmade split shank ring.
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Fantastic orange and white striped agate that I cut into a 10x18 cabochon and made into a foot with the addition of some
sterling silver toes. This delightful ring is a size 6˝ and gets more comments than any other piece I currently have for
sale.
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This beautiful striped agate is cut into a freeform triangular shape measuring 14x21. It's rather large for a ring stone,
but it does look great, and would be perfect for those women that prefer large rings. Size 8˝.
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There are great contrasting striped patterns on this mostly round 12mm cabochon. I put it into a one-of-kind sterling
silver setting and mounted it on a handmade size 7 split shank ring.
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