A generous slice of agate, with plenty of room for its bands to really show off.

Agate grows inside volcanic rock, as mineral-rich water leaves behind one thin layer after another. Slice it and polish it, and you get rings of colour with a clear or crystal-lined heart. All colours except Natural are dyed, which is how agate gets those bright pinks, teals and purples; Natural is its own undyed colour.

At this size, a slice starts to work as decor rather than a trinket. Hung in a window or propped on a stand, it throws coloured light across the room. People also like them as coasters for a candle or a favourite mug.

How to use it

• Prop it on a stand in a sunny window
• Use it as a coaster for a candle
• Lay a few out as a colourful centrepiece
• Rest small crystals on top as a tray

Care: Rinse with plain water and dry it right away, and keep dyed slices out of strong sun for long stretches so the colour lasts.

The details

• Stone: Agate
• Unit size: 5 1/2" to 6 1/4"
• Options: Black (Enhanced), Blue (Enhanced), Green (Enhanced), Natural, Pink (Enhanced), Purple (Enhanced), Red (Enhanced), Teal (Enhanced)
• Sold as: Single piece
• Country of origin: Brazil