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How does agate form?

Updated: 9/20/2023
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12y ago

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Agates are formed in gas cavities in volcanic rock, as well as in cracks and holes in metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. Solutions high in silica content filled these cavities to form silica gel which hardened to the agate we know.

Generally, the formation temperatures are now thought to have been between 40 and 270degrees centigrade, perhaps more to the lower end of this range. Theory of agate formation has evolved with better microscopes and continued study over the years. Books by Roger K. Pabian are recommended.

At any rate, there were no human witnesses to the formation of agates, and we are still learning about these fascinating gems.

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Q: How does agate form?
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Related questions

What is the chemical symbol for agate?

Agate is a form of silicon dioxide.


What menerial group is agate in?

Agate is colloidal silica - it is a form of quartz.


What is the chemical formula for agate?

Agate is a form of quartz, with a formula of SiO2.


What is the atomic number of agate?

Agate is not an element, so it has no specific atomic number. Agate is a specialized crystalline form of silicon.


What is the crystal shape of agate?

Agate, being a cryptocrystalline (microscopic crystal structure) form of quartz, does not have a crystal shape.


Is agate a silicate or a non silicate?

Agate is a variety of silicon dioxide (SiO2); it is not a silicate.


What color is agate?

Agate can be found in several colours - white to dark grey, pale to mid blue, pale orange to vivid red, black. Agate is a form of silica with a micro-crystalline structure.


What is a agate and how much is it worth?

Agate a quartz stone characterized by visible bands and bright colors. There several varieties of agate, many of which are named according to color or other distinguishing characteristic (i.e. Green Agate, Banded agate, Blue Lace Agate) and/or the location in which it is found (e.g. Oregon Snakeskin Agate, Mexican Lace Agate, Botswana Agate). While it was highly prized in ancient times and throughout history, agate is not considered a precious or rare stone. In raw form, small pieces of agate are generally very inexpensive. However, when sold as a piece of jewelry or decorative item, the price may be considerably higher.


What is an aggat?

An aggat is an obsolete form of agate, an uncrystallized variety of quartz.


Where can I find AGATE GEODES and AGATE BOOKENDS in NYC?

A ROCK SHOP that sells minerals and crystals will often have agate in different forms,. One of the best in NYC is called ROCK STAR CRYSTALS in Manhattan. They have more AGATE in a variety of forms than any other store run NYC, including Agate Geodes, Agate Bookends, Agate Slices in various sizes, Agate Pyramids and Spheres, Agate Massage Wands, Agate Jewelry, and even Agate Windchimes. You might also find agate bookends and agate coasters at a home furnishing store, but it's uncommon.


When was Mariano Agate born?

Mariano Agate was born in 1939.


When did May Agate die?

May Agate died in 1960.