{"product_id":"blue-agate-geode-half-22","title":"Blue Agate Geode Half - 6.3 x 5.8 inch","description":"\u003cp\u003eA solid black outer band gives this Blue Agate Geode Half a strongly defined silhouette, dropping inward through pale blue and white layers to a soft cream centre. The contrast is among the highest in this consignment, the black reading as almost opaque against the near-luminous interior, and the intermediate bands are wide enough to make the transition legible rather than abrupt. The upper edge rises to a gentle peak. The polish is high across the cut face and the piece stands upright on a flat base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanded Agate is traditionally linked with balance, harmony, and a steadying, grounding character, with darker material long favoured where a weighted presence is wanted. High-contrast pieces hold attention on their own and are usually placed alone rather than grouped with other specimens. This one suits a mantel, hearth, or shelf against a light wall where the black outline registers clearly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Properties\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrimary Focus: Balance \u0026amp; Harmony\u003cbr\u003eSecondary Focus: Protection \u0026amp; Grounding\u003cbr\u003eChakra Association: Root, Sacral\u003cbr\u003eZodiac Sign: Gemini, Virgo\u003cbr\u003eChinese Zodiac: Tiger, Rooster\u003cbr\u003eRuling Planet: Mercury\u003cbr\u003eElements: Earth, Fire\u003cbr\u003eMohs Hardness: 7\u003cbr\u003eStone Family: Tectosilicate\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Banded Agate\u003cbr\u003eOrigin: Brazil\u003cbr\u003eForm: Geode \/ Cluster\u003cbr\u003eFinish: Polished\u003cbr\u003eApproximate Size: 161 mm (6.3 inches) H x 147 mm (5.8 inches) W\u003cbr\u003eApproximate Weight: 2071 g\u003cbr\u003eListing: Single unit\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeological Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBanded Agate is silicon dioxide in its microcrystalline chalcedony form, Mohs 7, deposited in successive layers within a cavity in host rock. The near-opaque black at the outer edge of this piece results from an unusually high concentration of iron and manganese oxides in the earliest fluids to enter the void; where those oxides saturate a layer completely they suppress the light scattering that produces agate's paler tones, leaving the band effectively lightless. Subsequent deposition ran cleaner, which is why the sequence brightens steadily inward. Agate is a banded variety of chalcedony within the quartz family, formed through successive layers of silica deposited within a cavity over time. It is common industry practice for coloured agate to be dyed or otherwise colour-enhanced to achieve vivid, saturated tones. Agate is one of the most widely distributed minerals on Earth, worked continuously since ancient Mesopotamia. Sources include Brazil, India, the USA, Mexico and Germany, with this piece from Brazil.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuturaSol Standard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach natural stone is selected for its authenticity, geological integrity, and energetic clarity. Natural variations in colour, structure, inclusions, and surface features are inherent to geological materials and contribute to the individuality of each piece. Any known treatments, enhancements, stabilization, or man-made characteristics are clearly disclosed within the product information where applicable. Every piece is inspected and photographed to reflect its true character; however, lighting conditions, screen settings, and natural variation may cause slight differences in appearance. If you have any questions about a piece before completing your purchase, we're always here to help. Where authenticity meets beauty, we tell you exactly what you're holding.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AuturaSol","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48009084600550,"sku":"30230015-AS-OFF2-B1-2071G","price":69.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0778\/7200\/5350\/files\/e8c9ef75-5994-4909-ac75-4fbce2ae4b0c.png?v=1786717574","url":"https:\/\/auturasol.com\/products\/blue-agate-geode-half-22","provider":"AuturaSol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}