Scottish Agates & Whitby Jet

Scottish Agate is a form of chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz) typically filling cracks and gas cavities in ancient lava flows. In its purest form agate has little or no colour, usually grey or white, but as its crystal structure is porous, it takes on colours from mineralised ground waters circulating though rocks in active volcanic areas. The result is the distinctive banding and a huge variety of colours. Although the exact origins of the banding are still unclear most concentrically banded agates grow from the outside inwards, filling in the gas-bubble as they grow. The nature of the formation of agates means that no two will ever be alike. Used on a small scale for the manufacture of jewellery for at least two hundred years, agate is one of Scotland's best-known semi-precious stones. Cut into thin pieces it is nearly transparent but it less brittle than normal quartz, which helps to explain that stones found in cufflinks, bracelets and brooches made during the Victorian Era (140 years of age) show so little wear.

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