The agate is not a specific mineral, but a set of microcrystalline varieties of quartz (silica ). In fact, are varieties of chalcedony presenting bands of different colors with little contrast. The color difference occurs because in each part of the structure and number of inclusions in the chert varies, thus changing its properties.
Agate is found in volcanic rocks vary in size from millimeters to several meters. It is characterized by a series of concentric bands of similar colors, opaque and translucent, reminiscent of cutting a tree trunk in a circular motion. Can take many forms and come in many varieties. It is a stone hard and resistant to chemical reagents. It is also used to build small mortars.
There are some varieties, such as dendritic agate, moss, landscape and fire, which are actually chalcedony with different inclusions. They get these names for the colors and patterns that form the bands. 
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