Red Moss Agate
Description
Like other agates, moss agate forms in pockets within weathered volcanic rocks. In addition to chalcedony, the principal constituent of agates, it contains other minerals whose long, thin filaments form patterns reminiscent of moss. Moss agate may also resemble blue-cheese, but the commonest forms show moss-like formations coloured green or, as in this example from the United States, red. The colors are due to trace amounts of metal – typically manganese, iron or chrome – present as impurities. Despite its name and vividly ‘living’ quality, moss agate contains no organic matter. The patterns are fascinatingly intricate and the image from which this scarf is made is approximately 2cm (3/4”) square on the original specimen.