Fancy agate mushroom

Fancy agate mushroomLocale: Morocco Approx size: Smidge under 2" tall, 1. 5" wide Approx weight: 5560g avg Slight variations in size and weight due to variations in natural material and hand carving. Agate is another form of the quartz family: the term is used to describe chalcedony (a cryptocrystalline form of quartz) that is banded, meaning it has stripes of color. The trade names 'moss agate' and 'tree agate' have stuck for this material even though it does not

Locale: Morocco

Approx size:  Smidge under 2" tall, 1.5" wide

Approx weight: 55–60g avg

Slight variations in size and weight due to variations in natural material and hand-carving.

Agate is another form of the quartz family: the term is used to describe chalcedony (a cryptocrystalline form of quartz) that is banded, meaning it has stripes of color. The trade names 'moss agate' and 'tree agate' have stuck for this material even though it does not display the banding typically characteristic of agate. Instead, these agates are known for their splotches, mottling, plumes, or dendritic inclusions composed of green minerals like chlorite and celadonite, giving it the appearance of moss or lichen. Brown, black, and redder colorations are caused by iron or manganese oxidation.

Agate forms in pockets in silica-rich volcanic material, similar to quartz geodes. The material is always sold a polished to best display the pattern, popular as tumbles, carvings, and increasingly as a faceted stone.