Moss Agate without chalcedony (snowcap)

Moss agate is a variety of chalcedony, belonging to the quartz family, and is often found as fragments from weathered volcanic rock formed in fissures or as pebbles rather than in traditional agate layering.

Moss agate isn't actually moss or technically an agate, but the intriguing mottled patterns of cream, green-grey and black inclusions do have a moss-like appearance. The beautiful green shades ranging from sea green to dark forest green appear to float in the semitranslucent stone. While moss agate isn't strictly an agate because it's not banded, the stone does have the same chemical composition and intriguing patterns of agate. Moss agate is a variety of chalcedony, belonging to the quartz family, and is often found as fragments from weathered volcanic rock formed in fissures or as pebbles rather than in traditional agate layering

The spreading moss-like dendritic inclusions you see in moss agate are mostly oxides of manganese or iron, and the colors vary depending on trace amounts of minerals or metals present, such as chrome. Some moss agate on the market can be dyed to improve overall color. Moss agate is chiefly found in India, Brazil, Uruguay, central Europe and the western United States.

Mineral Information:Chalcedony, quartz group 

Chemical Compositio  : SiO

Color:  Clear with mottled, leaf-like inclusion

Hardnes 6- 1/2 to 7 (Mohs

Avoid using harsh cleaning treatments such as ultrasonic cleaners and steamers or chemicals for moss agate, especially if the stone has been enhanced in any way. The best method of cleaning moss agate is to use warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth. Make sure your stones or moss agate jewelry is completely dry before wearing or storing. It is preferable to store moss agate in a velveteen bag, or at least away from softer gemstones that moss agate--with its Mohs hardness of 6-1/2 to 7--could accidently scratch

To learn more about moss agate and other gemstones, order your copy of Walter Schumann's revised and expanded edition of Gemstones of the World.

Moss agate with lots of white background color resembles a beautiful forest with freshly fallen snow while darker green, more fully colored moss agate is reminiscent of lush Pacific Northwest forest floors. Add moss agate to jewelry whenever you want a quiet, interesting pattern with a deep visual connection to nature. Emphasize the white quartz background by pairing moss agate with clear quartz or opaque white stones. Try combining this agate with other gemstones in earth and vegetation hues such as greens, yellows and browns as well as other organic materials--wood and bone--to emphasize its visual connection with nature. Blue-hued gemstones like lapis lazuli pair well with the calming effect of moss agate, creating a tranquil palette while purple tones such as in amethyst create a dramatic complementary color scheme.e..ex2y)ssr2npn..s5x2y)ssr2npn..s.