Description
Botswana Agate is a variety of banded Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. It is characterized by its unique and striking banding patterns, which range in colors from earthy browns, grays, and creams to vibrant pinks, purples, and blues. The gemstone is named after the African country of Botswana, where it is primarily found. Botswana Agate is considered far superior to all other agates due to the near perfect banding it shows, as well as the limited supply. It is also known as the “Sunset Stone” because it preserves sunlight and soothes people throughout long evenings.
Agates mostly occur as nodules in volcanic rocks or waters containing Silica in solution which is possibly derived from the decomposition of Silicates in the lava. The Siliceous matter is deposited in regular layers resulting in the banded or striped formation. It is very unlikely that you would ever find an exact duplicate of any type of Agate, Fairburn or other.