Botswana Agate
Botswana agate is a finely banded agate (a variety of chalcedony, microcrystalline quartz) found mainly in the Bobonong district of eastern Botswana, near the borders with South Africa and Zimbabwe. It is known for its very fine, closely spaced bands, often in delicate curves and concentric "eye" patterns.
Its colours are typically soft greys, whites, blacks and browns, with pink, peach and salmon tones that are especially prized. Unlike much commercial agate, Botswana agate is generally sold in its natural colours, although some lower-grade material may be dyed or heat-treated. Because it comes from a single region, it is considered rarer than many other agates.
Like other agates, Botswana agate formed when silica-rich water filled gas cavities in ancient volcanic lava, depositing layer upon layer of chalcedony over very long periods. The nodules weather out of the surrounding rock and are collected from the surface and riverbeds.
Its subtle colours and fine banding make Botswana agate popular for beads, cabochons and carvings, and it pairs well with other neutral and earthy stones.
Botswana Agate at a glance
| Colour | Grey, white, black, brown, pink, peach, salmon; finely banded |
|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 6.5 – 7 |
| Composition | Silicon dioxide |
| Crystal structure | Trigonal; microcrystalline aggregate |
| Lustre | Waxy to vitreous |
| Transparency | Translucent to opaque |
| Where it is found | Botswana (Bobonong district) |
Caring for Botswana agate
Botswana agate is fairly hard (6.5 – 7 on the Mohs scale) and has no cleavage, so it is durable for everyday jewellery. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush or cloth, then rinse and dry. Avoid steam cleaning, harsh chemicals and prolonged heat or sunlight. Put jewellery on after make-up and perfume. Store separately from harder stones.
In folklore
The beliefs below are traditional folklore, included for interest. They are not scientifically proven, and nothing here is medical advice.
Botswana agate has been linked in modern tradition with fire and smoke, and it is said to be a helpful stone for those trying to give up smoking. Like other agates, it is traditionally believed to protect and stabilise the wearer, and an old belief holds that agate keeps spiders away. Botswana agate is associated with the zodiac sign Scorpio.
Botswana agate is traditionally regarded as a comforting and supportive stone. Crystal healing lore holds that it brings calm, helps the wearer see the bigger picture and supports attention to detail. It is also said to encourage optimism, a sense of adventure and the courage to explore new ideas. It is linked to the root chakra.
Related stones
Agate, blue lace agate, crazy lace agate, fire agate, moss agate, chalcedony, onyx, sardonyx and carnelian. It pairs well with jaspers, onyx and snow quartz in jewellery designs.
For the technically minded
| Scientific name | SiO2 |
|---|---|
| Density | 2.60 – 2.65 |
| Refractive index | 1.530 – 1.540 |
| Double refraction | Up to 0.004 |
| Cleavage | None |
| Streak | White |
| Fluorescence | Generally inert |