Agate is a beautiful and versatile gemstone that has been admired for centuries. It is a type of chalcedony, which is a mineral in the quartz family. Agate forms when water containing minerals seeps into rock cavities and slowly evaporates, leaving behind colorful bands of mineral deposits. Agate comes in many different colors and patterns, making it a popular choice for jewelry and home decor. It is also believed to have healing and protective properties, according to some traditions.
But not all agates are created equal. Some types of agate are rarer, more unique, and more valuable than others. In this article, we will explore the 10 most expensive agate types you can buy, based on their current market prices. We will also tell you what makes them so special and where you can find them.
Polyhedroid Agate – $0.06 per gram
Polyhedroid agate is a very rare and unusual type of agate that has geometric shapes instead of curved bands. It looks like a crystal, but it is a mineraloid, meaning it does not have a regular crystal structure. Polyhedroid agate forms when the spaces of a boxwork of calcite crystals are filled with siliceous groundwater, and then the calcite dissolves, leaving behind the agate. Polyhedroid agate is mostly found in Brazil, and it is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Condor Agate – $0.12 per gram
Condor agate is a stunning type of agate that has bright and vivid colors, resembling a fiery sunset. It has concentric bands of different hues, creating a rainbow effect. Condor agate is formed from a type of chalcedony that is rich in iron and manganese, which give it its distinctive coloration. Condor agate is mainly found in Argentina, where it was discovered in the 1990s. It is one of the most desirable and expensive types of agate in the world.
Thunder Egg Agate – $0.17 per gram
Thunderegg agate is a type of agate that is found inside spherical nodules that look like ordinary rocks from the outside. But when you cut them open, you reveal a beautiful and colorful agate center, often with a quartz or amethyst core. Thunder egg agate is formed when volcanic ash or lava fills the cavities of ancient rocks, and then cools and hardens over time. Thunderegg agate is widely distributed in the western United States, especially in Oregon, where it is the official state rock. Thunderegg agate is prized for its variety and uniqueness, as no two are exactly alike.
Moss Agate – $0.10 to $0.39 per gram
Moss agate is a type of agate that has green, brown, or black inclusions that look like moss, ferns, or trees. These inclusions are not organic, but mineral, such as hornblende, chlorite, or iron oxides. Moss agate is formed when water containing these minerals seeps into the cracks and pores of chalcedony and then crystallizes. Moss agate is found in many places around the world, such as India, China, Brazil, and the United States. Moss agate is valued for its natural beauty and its association with nature, growth, and abundance.
Crazy Lace Agate – $0.86 per gram
Crazy lace agate is a type of agate that has intricate and complex patterns of swirls, loops, eyes, and lace. It has a variety of colors, such as red, white, yellow, gray, and brown. Crazy lace agate is formed from volcanic activity, and it is also known as Mexican agate because it is mainly found in Mexico. Crazy lace agate is admired for its whimsical and cheerful appearance, and it is said to bring joy and laughter to its wearer.
Enhydro Agate – $0.69 per gram
Enhydro agate is a type of agate that has a very special feature: it contains water inside. The water is trapped in tiny bubbles or cavities within the agate, and it can be seen moving when the agate is tilted or rotated. Enhydro agate is formed when water-rich minerals are deposited in the rock cavities and then sealed by the agate. Enhydro agate is very rare and fascinating, and it is considered to be a powerful healing stone, as it connects the elements of earth and water.
Coyamito Agate Pseudomorph – $3.34 per gram
Coyamito agate pseudomorph is a type of agate that has a unique shape and structure. It is a pseudomorph, which means it has replaced another mineral, in this case, aragonite. Aragonite is a carbonate mineral that forms hexagonal crystals, and when it dissolves, it leaves behind a hollow space that is filled with agate. Coyamito agate pseudomorph has the shape of aragonite crystals, but the color and pattern of agate. Coyamito agate pseudomorph is only found in one place in the world, the Coyamito Ranch in Chihuahua, Mexico. It is extremely rare and valuable, and it is considered to be one of the finest agates ever discovered.
Onyx Agate – $6.15 per gram
Onyx agate is a type of agate that has a striking contrast of black and white bands. It is a type of chalcedony that is rich in carbon, which gives it its dark color. Onyx agate is formed when silica-rich water flows through limestone or other carbonate rocks and then solidifies. Onyx agate is found in many places around the world, such as Brazil, India, Madagascar, and Uruguay. Onyx agate is highly regarded for its elegance and sophistication, and it is often used for jewelry, carvings, and sculptures.
Iris Agate – $7.35 to $11.50 per gram
Iris agate is a type of agate that has a magical and mesmerizing effect: it displays a rainbow of colors when viewed in transmitted light. Iris agate is formed from very thin and uniform bands of chalcedony, which diffract the light and create iridescence. Iris agate is very rare and difficult to find, as it requires a specific angle and light source to reveal its beauty. Iris agate is mostly found in Indonesia, China, and Brazil. Iris agate is one of the most expensive and sought-after types of agate, as it is truly a wonder of nature.
Fire Agate – $10 to $100 per carat
Fire agate is the most expensive and spectacular type of agate in the world. It has a fiery and brilliant display of colors that change with the angle of light. Fire agate is formed from a type of chalcedony that is rich in iron and manganese, and has thin layers of these minerals that create the interference of light. Fire agate is mainly found in Mexico and the southwestern United States, where it is also known as the “gem of the desert”. Fire agate is a rare and precious stone that is highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts.
Agate is a gemstone that has a lot to offer, from its beauty and variety to its history and symbolism. It is a stone that can suit any taste and budget, as it comes in many different types and prices. Whether you are looking for a simple and elegant piece of jewelry or a stunning and rare specimen for your collection, you can find the perfect agate for you. Agate is a gemstone that will never go out of style, and will always impress you with its charm and character.
