Dense bands, striking colors, fine grain, milky surfaces, and glittering pockets of crystals are just some of the features commonly found in agate. Viewed up close, the gemstone often resembles completely otherworldly sights, ranging from galactic nebulae to neon-hued, microscopic bacteria, as seen in these photos.
Agate is a form of microcrystalline quartz known for its incredible variety and the uniqueness of each stone. Initially discovered along the shoreline of the river Achates between 4th and 3rd centuries BCE, agate has been used in jewelry and ornaments for centuries.
Above photo credit: Pascal Petit
Photo credit: agatehill
Photo credit: agatehill
Photo credit: agatehill
Photo credit: Colin MacDiarmid
Photo credit: Michal Z
Photo credit: Jacques Rossier
Photo credit: agatehill
Photo credit: agatehill
Photo credit: agatehill
Photo credit: Jacques Rossier
Photo credit: agatehill
Photo credit: Jacques Rossier
via [Dataisnature]
