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Brazilian Agate Cabochons
Agate 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 do Sul, Brazil.
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Beautiful example of Brazilian agate with subtle brown coloring highlighting a translucent white agate. Approx.
size: 20x33 Weight: 25.15 cts.
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Nice "dreamsicle" colors of soft orange and creamy white in distinct fortification patterns. Approx. size: 27x40
Weight: 36.2 cts.
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Very nice fortification patterns on this orange, brown and white triangular cab. Approx. size: 14x29 Weight:
15.3 cts.
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Another nice triangular cab cut from the same slab as #3. Approx. size: 13x32 Weight: 15.9 cts.
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Another triangular cab cut from the same slab, although this one doesn't have as much white banding. Approx. size4:
23x27 Weight: 21.4 cts.
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Alternating stripes of earthy browns and tans highlight this banded agate. Approx. size: 23x27 Weight: 25.3
cts.
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Nice baroque shape cut from the same slab as #6, and has the same earthy colors. Approx. size: 21x33 Weight:
31.7 cts.
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This clear agate has a slight greyish color, reminiscent of light smokey quartz to it and very light tannish banding
that can barely be seen without closely looking for them. When the light hits this stone the right way, it has an awesome
"glow" to it that I was able to capture somewhat in a picture of #GCBA009. Approx. size:24x26 Weight: 26.2 cts.
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This is the same material as #8, but the banding is much more visible. I was able to capture the "glow" that this
material has when the sun hits it the right way in the bottom of the cab. Approx. size: 16x32 Weight: 31.25 cts.
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This orangish-brown material has some great swirly patterns in it and an awesome "glow" when the light hits it just right,
or shines through this stone. Approx. size:13x33 Weight: 19.3 cts.
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Same material as #10, only larger. With the light shining through it, this gemstone reminds me of toffee and almost
looks good enough to eat. Approx. size: 16x44 Weight: 37 cts.
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Another nice stone cut from the same slab as the two previous cabs. All three of these stones are half translucent
and half opaque, creating some really cool patterns that aren't coming out in most of these photos. Approx. size:
11x31 Weight: 18.45 cts.
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This cab is also cut from the same material as the three previous gems, and is the last of what I like to call the "toffee
agates." Approx. size: 19x22 Weight: 22.5 cts.
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Nice brown colors and banded pattern on this triangular freeform. Approx. size: 15x22 Weight: 14.4 cts.
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Nice clear, brown, tan and orange stripes on this small baroque shaped cab. Approx. size: 15x21 Weight: 9
cts.
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Nice tan and orange stripes on this piece. Approx. size:20x27 Weight: 26 cts.
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Nice tear drop cut from the same material as #17 Measures approx. 17x28.
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Alluring "creamsicle" colors and great fortification pattern makes this wonderful free-form cab a real beauty!
Approx. size: 29x24 Weight: 25.35 cts.
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This cab has a warm golden brown coloration and a great banded pattern. The cabochon has been cut into the shape
of the natural pattern and would make an awesome pendant! Approx. size: 35x16 Weight: 20.2 cts.
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Nice little cabochon ready to make a ring or small pendant. Has a nice brown and creamy pattern. Approx.
size: 17x11 Weight: 5.6 cts.
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This lovely cabochon is almost transparent and has a few orangish-brown markings on it. Nice piece for an open-back
pendant! Approx. size: 18x18 Weight: 8.7 cts.
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Very beautiful 14x29 freeform with great colors and wonderful layers. Weight: 11.3 cts
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Awesome piece of Brazilian sardonyx with great banding. Approx. size: 14x17 Weight: 5.55 cts.
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