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Brazilian Agate Pendants
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 gemstones were cut from
material collected in Rio Grande de Sul, Brazil.
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Fantastic orange and white 18x22 triangle set in pure sterling silver with an open back that allows light to pass through
this wonderful gemstone.
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Various shades of ,brown, tan and light grey in horizontal bands make this 15x24 oval of onyx a very unique and interesting
piece of jewelry. I've mounted it in a handmade sterling silver setting with an open back to let light pass through the stone
making it even more beautiful!
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Petite, nicely patterned Brazilian agate point capped with sterling silver.
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