Iris Agate- Brazil

Iris Agate
Brazil
Dimensions: 5.2 × 3.8 × 0.1 cm
Provenance: Original vintage collection label, catalog no. 93, included with specimen.

A beautiful, exceptionally thin slice of Iris Agate displaying delicate, closely spaced bands of translucent milky white, pale gray, and soft blue-gray chalcedony. When illuminated from behind, the specimen reveals striking flashes of spectral color, with bands of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue appearing across its finely layered structure. The gently curving banding follows the natural growth patterns of the agate, while remnants of its original outer rind remain visible along portions of the perimeter.

Iris Agate is a variety of finely banded chalcedony prized for its remarkable optical properties. When cut into extremely thin slices and viewed against a concentrated light source, its microscopic parallel bands can diffract transmitted light, producing a rainbow-like display known as iridescence. Brazilian agates are especially well known for their intricate banding and exceptional suitability for this phenomenon. This vintage specimen offers an engaging combination of classic agate formation and natural optical effects.