Locality: Boston Bar area, British Columbia, Canada

Carat Weight: 4.71ct

Approximate size: pending measurement

Cut: Faceted, freeform (step cut)

Description: This one-of-a-kind grey-blue fortification agate is a 4.71 carat freeform step cut. This agate comes from the agate fields in the hills around Boston Bar, British Columbia, an area of volcanic rock known for grey and black agate nodules at sites such as Sackum Creek and the Nicomen Plateau.

The bands in this stone are called fortification banding, because in cross-section they resemble the angled walls of an old fort. Agate forms in gas pockets and cracks in volcanic rock. After the lava had cooled and hardened, warm, silica-rich water moving through the rock filled these cavities. The silica was laid down against the cavity walls and slowly matured into chalcedony, a form of quartz made of microscopic fibres, so the bands follow the shape of the hollow. Exactly how such regular bands form is still debated. Many geologists now think the silica crystallises in self-organising cycles as the fluid's concentration rises and falls, alternating between finer and coarser layers. Traces of iron and other elements give the bands their colours. At 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, agate is tough enough for everyday jewelry.

In crystal traditions, agate is often associated with balance, calm and steadiness. These associations come from spiritual and folk traditions rather than scientifically established properties.

Chemical Composition: Chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz), SiO₂

Mohs Hardness: 6.5 - 7

Treatment: Natural/None

Quantity: 1pc

With this product, you will receive the exact stone shown in the photograph. We do our best to offer quality products and price them honestly. Please keep in mind that colours and details may appear slightly different in person due to lighting, photography, and screen settings, but we do our best to represent each piece accurately.