Botswana Agate Jewels

Agates are semi precious gemstones that are a variegated form of chalcedony , which is silicon dioxide in the form of microscopic fiberous quartz crystals. Agates naturally develope when an empty pocket inside a host rock fills in molecule by molucule, layer by layer as these microcrystals self organise to form concentric bands or other patterns.The colours of the microcrystals are influenced by a change in temperature, pressure and mineral content, that occur during the formation process. Most of the worlds agates developed in ancient volcanic lava.

These amazing gemstones are found here in Botswana, in the Bobonong district in the north east of the country. They are prized worldwide for their coloration and clarity. They are fiercly protected by the Botswana Government and cannot be exported in the raw state. A licence is required from the Ministry of Mines to deal in them.