Agate Beads

As the name suggests Agate beads are made from Agates stone, which is a form of a silica mineral. It is found on lake shores, seashores, or in gravel beds. Agate is formed when gas bubbles trapped in cooling lava become filled with water containing alkali and silica. These are found in Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. Agate is a form of chalcedony (quartz) that is clouded, clear or banded. Agate consists of Iron and hematite content that give this gemstone its reddish brown color, and manganese, magnesium, and calcium produce gray to black. It is normally sold in untreated form and are available in wide variety of colors and hardness. Jewelry supplies almost always include agate beads due to their beauty, hardness, and low cost.