The 20 Most Expensive Types of Agate You Can Buy

Each variety of agate on this list carries unique characteristics that can greatly influence its value. From stunning jewelry pieces to exquisite ornamental designs, these agates stand out as the epitome of natural artistry and luxury. This exploration highlights the distinct qualities and origins of the most costly agates available, providing insight into why they are so prized and sought after. 

Blue Lace Agate

Mined primarily in Namibia and South Africa, Blue Lace Agate is cherished for its soothing blue color and white banding that resembles delicate lace. This stone is often associated with tranquility and grace and is frequently used in therapies for stress and anxiety. In the jewelry world, it is particularly popular in settings that require a soft, calming presence. Pricing can be affected by the vibrancy of the blue color and the clarity of the banding. Price Estimate: $0.50 to $5 per gram

Fire Agate

Originating from the southwestern USA and Mexico, Fire Agate forms as a result of volcanic activity and has a unique appearance due to its iridescent layers. Each layer reflects light to create fiery bursts of color, making each gem truly unique. Fire Agate is often used in pieces where its dramatic color play can be highlighted, especially in rings and pendants. Price Estimate: $5 to $20 or more per gram

Moss Agate

Unlike other agates, Moss Agate does not have the typical banding but instead showcases moss-like inclusions which are primarily iron or manganese oxides. This agate is often set in silver to enhance its earthy tones and is popular among those who prefer a more natural or rustic look in their jewelry. Price Estimate: $0.50 to $3 per gram

Crazy Lace Agate

As a stone that is predominantly found in Northern Mexico, Crazy Lace Agate boasts complex patterns that make it resemble a naturally abstract painting. Its rich history includes use by Native American cultures for its believed protective properties. The complexity and vibrancy of the patterns directly influence its value in the market. Price Estimate: $1 to $5 per gram

Botswana Agate

Known for its intricate banded patterns, Botswana Agate is mined in the African country of Botswana. It is often used to create beautiful beads for necklaces and bracelets, and its warm earth tones make it suitable for a variety of designs. Botswana Agate is also thought to help with emotional healing and is used in crystal healing circles. Price Estimate:  $1 to $5 per gram

Condor Agate

Highly prized among collectors, Condor Agate features some of the most vibrant colors seen in any agate, ranging from deep reds to bright oranges and occasional yellows. Its rarity and striking appearance make it a favorite for high-end gemstone collectors and lapidary artists who turn them into eye-catching pieces. Price Estimate: $5 to $20 or more per gram

Dendritic Agate

This type is known for its tree-like or fern-like patterns created by manganese and iron inclusions. Often used in cabochon form to highlight the scenic inclusions, Dendritic Agate is popular in large pendants or artistic jewelry pieces. It is believed to promote stability and a connection to nature. Price Estimate: $1 to $10 or more per gram

Laguna Agate

Highly sought after for its precision banding and vivid color contrasts, Laguna Agate is mined in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. It is considered one of the top quality agates in the world, often commanding high prices, especially when bands are uniformly thin and the color transition is smooth. Price Estimate: $5 to $50 or more per gram

Plume Agate

This variety features inclusions that resemble feathers, creating an impression of three-dimensionality. These agates are often cut into slices to showcase the depth and detail of the plume formations, making them popular for use in unique, visually striking jewelry. Price Estimate: $2 to $15 or more per gram

Tiger’s Eye Agate

Although commonly categorized under quartz, Tiger’s Eye features fibrous inclusions and a mesmerizing sheen. The agate variety has a silky luster and is primarily found in South Africa and Australia. It’s often carved into beads, cabochons, and ornamental objects. Price Estimate: $1 to $10 or more per gram

Brazilian Agate

Found in large geodes in Brazil, this agate is characterized by its size and vibrant color banding. Brazilian Agate is often cut into large slabs and polished to highlight its bands, making it popular for decorative items such as bookends, coasters, and large jewelry pieces. Price Estimate: $1 to $10 per gram 

Fairburn Agate

Named after the town of Fairburn, South Dakota, where it was first discovered, this agate is known for its unusual and attractive patterns. It is a form of fortification agate, which means it has concentric rings of color. Fairburn Agate is highly valued by both collectors and lapidary artists due to its rarity and distinctive patterns. Price Estimate: $5 to $50 or more per gram 

Turritella Agate

Containing fossilized shells of the Turritella snail, this agate is a form of chalcedony. It provides not only an aesthetic appeal with its clear to brownish matrix and prominent snail shell patterns but also an archaeological interest, making it highly prized among fossil and gem collectors alike. Price Estimate: $2 to $15 or more per gram

Red Agate

This vibrant agate is often associated with strength and energy, making it popular in cultures that value these attributes. It is typically dyed to enhance its red color, making it a common choice for beads and carvings in jewelry and decorative items. Price Estimate: $1 to $5 per gram

Montana Moss Agate

This variety is found along the Yellowstone River in Montana and is known for its transparent quality and black dendritic inclusions resembling moss or trees. It is particularly favored in the United States and is often used in larger, statement jewelry pieces. Price Estimate: $1 to $5 per gram

Binghamite

Known locally as the “American Tiger’s Eye,” Binghamite from Minnesota displays chatoyancy or cat’s eye effect due to its fibrous structure. It is extremely rare, found only in specific areas within Minnesota, adding to its desirability and high price point. Price Estimate: $10 to $50 or more per gram

Iris Agate

This agate is notable for its ability to display spectral colors when light passes through its thin layers. It is often cut into thin slices to best exhibit this phenomenon, making it highly sought after for its unique optical properties. Price Estimate: $3 to $15 or more per gram

Sagenitic Agate

Sagenitic Agate, or Sagenite, is known for its needle-like inclusions of rutile or other minerals, which create internal sparkles and enhance its aesthetic appeal. It is typically used in pieces where the inclusions can be showcased under light, often in cabochons or ornamental stones. Price Estimate: $1 to $10 or more per gram

Snakeskin Agate

As the name suggests, this agate resembles the skin of a snake and is noted for its interesting texture and pattern. It is often polished to highlight its unique surface patterns and used in jewelry that aims to stand out. Price Estimate: $1 to $5 per gram

Fossil Agate

This type combines agate and embedded fossils, making each piece a snapshot of geological and biological history. The presence of well-preserved fossils can significantly increase its value, making it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts of both gemstones and fossils. Price Estimate: $5 to $50 or more per gram 

This article is originally appeared on Rarest.org

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