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Agate is a crystalized form of silica, made up primarily of chalcedony, a type of quartz that is composed of very fine intergrowths of the minerals quartz and moganite. They form primarily in cavities of volcanic rock by the deposition of silica from groundwater that seeps through the rocks.

Agates are known for their vibrant colors and patterns, with layers that often have subtle differences in mineral content and impurities that give the gemstone a banded appearance. Some of the patterns reveal abstract, natural scenes like skies, rivers, trees and mountains, which is why they’re known as “landscape agates.”

There’s an amazing variety of landscape agates, they appear in all sorts of different hues, shapes and patterns. Some like like sandy deserts, others, a tranquil oceanscape or even a sunset dipping behind a forest with dark, feathered marks mimicking silhouetted trees. The agate pictured above resembles an ocean with low clouds on the horizon.

The one below, reveals a sunset behind a forest.

Can you see the swamp in this one below?

Photo Credit: John Koivula

Here, you can imagine stepping into a fiery desert scene.

Photo Credit: Scott Schreiber

What can you make out with these?

Photo Credit: bellenaturephotos