Slowly, over millions of years, a crystal lattice forms inside the crystal structure. What does dendritic agate’s formation process look like?įirst, water seeps into the earth’s cracks and crevices, carrying oxides and minerals with it. In the case of dendritic agate, iron oxides and manganese elements intermingle with microcrystalline quartz. So, what are inclusions? Inclusions are trace mineral elements or debris that get trapped inside a gemstone as it forms.

After all, inclusions give dendritic agate its captivating allure. Inclusions may diminish diamond clarity, but they’re not always a bad thing. While diamonds look vastly different from dendritic agates, they also cook inside the earth in the same way! However, diamonds have almost no inclusions, and that’s what makes them so valuable. “Under this pressure, under this weight, we are diamonds taking shape.” If you ever forget, just think of these lyrics from Coldplay: Now that we’ve had a look at the characteristics, let’s dive further into how dendritic agate came about in the first place.Īlmost all precious and semi-precious gemstones form similarly: in the earth’s crust under extreme heat and pressure. Luminescence: Fluorescence on certain bands Mineral Class: Chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz)Ĭolors: Body tone - white, off-white, or milky Inclusions - dark brown to black Here are the defining characteristics of dendritic agate:

While scenic and moss agates also depict nature scenes, dendritic agates have a signature black and white contrast. There are a few ways to identify a dendritic agate, but the easiest method is looking for its distinct tree-like inclusions. How can you tell if dendritic agate is real? Technically, dendritic agate isn’t solely agate (because of its dendritic inclusions) but it’s a member of the agate family. What better gem is there than the “Stone of Plentitude” to accompany compromise? Dendritic Agate Specifications Geminis are known for being quick thinking and diplomatic, always seeing both sides of a situation.

If you were born between May 21 to June 20, this black and white gem may be the perfect stone to match the dual nature of the Gemini twins. In astrology, dendritic agate is the zodiac stone presiding over Gemini. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, dendritic agate ranks at a dependable 6.5-7, making it durable enough for everyday wear. Who knew that these minerals interacting would create such a picturesque stone?Ĭhalcedony is a type of quartz that comes in many varieties, including black onyx, carnelian, and sardonyx. When a white agate features black dendrite inclusions, the effect emulates a striking wintery scene of snow blanketing tree branches. The stone’s inclusions, called “dendrites,” are a mixture of manganese or iron oxide minerals that were trapped inside the gemstone when the agate formed. What are dendritic agate’s inclusions made of? The milky base creates a beautiful contrast between the dark brown to black inclusions.

How does this happen? We can thank trace mineral elements for this natural phenomenon.įollowing the nature motif, dendritic agate properties are known for offering tranquility and peace to the mind, body, and soul.īut what is it that gives dendritic agate its branchy inclusions? Is dendritic agate rare and valuable? Where can you buy dendritic agate? Many questions surround this earthy gemstone, and we’re answering them all in this guide!įirst of all, what is dendritic agate, besides a Jurassic-sounding earth mineral? Keep reading to find out!ĭendritic agate is a type of chalcedony from the agate stone family, along with Botswana agate, fire agate, and blue lace agate, among others! While most dendritic agates have a milky body tone, they can also appear translucent to opaque. The gemstone’s interior appears to have trapped trees and bushes inside. Did you know that agate gemstones come in many forms? One of the most unique forms of agate is dendritic agate, a milky stone featuring branch and feather-like inclusions that look straight out of a forest.

Dendrite crystal meaning