Crazy Lace Agate, a type of Mexican Agate, is named for its stunning haphazard contour line and ripple designs that occur in a wide range of colors from creamy browns to deep blacks , sometimes interspersed with red throughout the stone. Many liken it to having a lacy effect or a paisley look. This beautiful variance is a result of the presence of several minerals in the gem such as Micro-crystalline quartz, banded chalcedony, iron and aluminum. It is opaque and somewhat chalky in its natural form, but does take a high polish that leaves a lacquered looking surface. Jewelers prefer to use this gem in slices or cabochons to highlight its unique natural design that is so uncommon.
Crazy Lace Agate is found only in limestone beds that date back to the Cretaceous period, making it between 90 to 65 million years old! This gem hails from Chihuahua, Mexico, the largest of the 31 states in the country. Although it was first discovered in 1895, the stone did not gain popularity until traveling hobbyist unearthed some particularly good specimens in the mid 1900’s along the side of a newly developed highway. This sparked an agate craze that is notable in the jewelry of the 1950’s and 1960’s. The beloved Crazy Lace Agate is known as the generational stone because it is believed to increase understanding and communication across generations, making it a particularly good gift for a grandparent or grandchild.
This is a very large example displaying the amazing array of colors that can come together in a specimen of crazy lace agate. this piece is seen here as a beautiful pendant
agate is one of my favorite stones when it comes to its metaphysical healing properties. and citrine. and larimar. ah i could go on forever. ;)
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