The facts
What botswana Agate actually is
Mineralogically, botswana Agate is chalcedony (agate) — SiO₂, crystallising in the cryptocrystalline trigonal system.
The colour is caused by very fine grey, pink and apricot banding from trace iron in successive silica layers; often with sagenitic sprays. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.530–1.539, and the specific gravity sits near 2.58–2.64; cleavage is none.
Where botswana Agate comes from
The recognised sources are Bobonong, Central District, Botswana.
That is the whole list. A single source makes supply fragile and makes any claim of a second origin worth questioning.
How botswana Agate is treated
Usually untreated, but a large share of the beads on the market are dyed grey-and-white agate imitating the natural pink. Uniform colour across every bead in a strand is the warning sign.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What botswana Agate is confused with
The usual confusions are Dyed agate, Sardonyx and Crazy lace agate.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.530–1.539 and specific gravity 2.58–2.64 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What botswana Agate is used for
Botswana Agate is bought by jewellery, carving and sculpture, decorative objects and wellness and body care — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the block or by the piece.
Durability and care
Botswana Agate is 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale, with none cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What botswana Agate costs
Indicative pricing for botswana Agate is Rough 10–50 USD/kg; cabochons 10–50 USD.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is botswana Agate treated, and how?
Usually untreated, but a large share of the beads on the market are dyed grey-and-white agate imitating the natural pink. Uniform colour across every bead in a strand is the warning sign.
Where does botswana Agate come from?
Bobonong, Central District, Botswana. That is the only commercial source.
Is botswana Agate hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does botswana Agate cost?
Indicatively Rough 10–50 USD/kg; cabochons 10–50 USD. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is botswana Agate confused with?
Most often Dyed agate, Sardonyx and Crazy lace agate. A refractive index of 1.530–1.539 and a specific gravity near 2.58–2.64 separate it quickly.
What is botswana Agate used for besides jewellery?
carving and sculpture, decorative objects and wellness and body care. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for botswana agate?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about botswana agate