Iris Agate Butterfly

Mineral: Iris Agate (Banded Chalcedony)

This beautiful Iris Agate Slice showcases one of nature’s most remarkable optical phenomena. Formed over millions of years within volcanic cavities, successive layers of microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony) created the delicate fortification banding that defines agate.

Unlike ordinary agate, Iris Agate contains exceptionally fine microscopic bands. When cut into thin slices and illuminated, these layers naturally diffract light, producing spectacular flashes of rainbow colour. This rare optical effect is entirely natural and shifts as the viewing angle and light source change.

The translucent centre, surrounded by crisp concentric bands of cream, honey, pale grey, and soft blue, beautifully demonstrates both the geological formation of agate and the unique iridescence that makes Iris Agate so highly sought after.

Each slice is completely unique in its banding, translucency, colour play, and natural formation.