Dendritic Black & White Agate
Dendritic Agate is an interesting stone that is distinguished by its beautiful and distinct tree or fern like markings called dendrites - which are brown to black traces of iron or manganese. Considered as one of the rare varieties of agate, Dendritic Agate is technically classified as chalcedony quartz, and not a true agate. That is because it lacks the typical banding seen in most agate stones - but has the translucent to opaque quality of agates, and is usually colorless to whitish-gray or blue-gray. Some stones may include shades of brown, golden brown, and reddish brown due to traces of iron. The iron and manganese crystallize inside the agate in unique branching formations by seeping through fine surface fractures. Some of those fractures appear in many of the stones, which add to their natural beauty.
Because the dendrites form at various depths, each stone is cut to bring the most intricate and decorative natural patterns to the surface. This often results in uneven and undulating surfaces – which add to each stone's beauty. Miriam’s Private Stone Collection also includes a few stones that are deeper reddish brown due to the iron, but still show the distinct dendritic markings and areas of translucency – which is why they are still called Agates. Miriam has tried to show the intricacies in her photos, along with the beautiful translucency of these lovely sun-lit stones.
Because the dendrites form at various depths, each stone is cut to bring the most intricate and decorative natural patterns to the surface. This often results in uneven and undulating surfaces – which add to each stone's beauty. Miriam’s Private Stone Collection also includes a few stones that are deeper reddish brown due to the iron, but still show the distinct dendritic markings and areas of translucency – which is why they are still called Agates. Miriam has tried to show the intricacies in her photos, along with the beautiful translucency of these lovely sun-lit stones.
- Dendritic Agate Color--Dendritic agate is typically colorless to whitish-gray in color and accompanied by brown to black branching tree-like inclusions, owed to crystallized manganese and iron impurities. Traces of iron ions will often result in slightly reddish to brown inclusions.
- Dendritic Agate Clarity and Luster--Dendritic agate is typically translucent to opaque. Translucent specimens are most desirable. Dendritic agate exhibits a waxy to dull luster. Dendritic inclusions that resemble landscapes are rare and highly sought-after, especially by gemstone collectors.
- Dendritic Agate Cut and Shape--Dendritic agate is typically plain-cut, most often as cabochons. Free-form slabs are most common, but other common shapes include ovals, pears, rounds and other traditional shapes.
