[Jewelry making - Article 00052] - Re: [Orchid] Agate or Jasper?

[Rocknlight]

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    Dave Yes, in my opinion, it is just that simple.....Partially
    transparent, cryptocrystalline silicone dioxide quartz chalcedony,
    is agate and can show multiple fine banding. 

    Other forms of the agate family / cryptocrystalline chalcedony
    quartz family, are chrysocolla and chrysoprase.... When these 2
    materials are residing in lots of translucent cryptocrystalline
    quartz, they are sometimes called "gem silica." But really they are
    simply A or AA or AAA grades of those blue and green materials..... 

    So basically, jasper is a form of impure cryptocrystalline quartz,
    usually not transparent.. 

    If it is somewhat transparent, the material can be considered
    partially agate and partially jasper 

    Both jasper and agate are the durable cryptocrystalline quartz...
    Unlike the more fragile form of crystalline quartz, such as
    crystalline rose quartz.... 

    Agate is translucent / transparent, while jasper is more fibrous and
    contains more impurities, such as iron oxides. 

Hope this helps
RocknLight

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