Agate – Malawi, Africa

Agates from Malawi are one of the less common ones on the world market. They are formed in volcanic rocks and their internal structure is made of silicate solutions that solidify in lava cavities. The slow filling of these spaces results in characteristic coloured layers that can differ significantly from agates from more well-known localities such as Brazil or Mexico. It is the composition of the original lava and mineral solutions in the Malawi region that gives these agates their unusual combination of patterns.

Unlike other sites where agates often show smooth transitions between layers, Malawian agates tend to have sharper colour changes and more contrasting bands. Shades of white, grey, brown or orange appear here, but there may also be subtle admixtures of green and pink. Some Malawian pieces are characterised by distinctive 'meshes ' or alternating lines that resemble a topographical map. This unusual pattern makes each stone quite unique and prized among collectors.

Agates from Malawi are not widely available on the international market because mining in that region is limited and often only takes place on a small scale. Compared to the mass imported agates from Brazil or Uruguay, these are relatively rare items. Due to their lower supply and original appearance, collectors' pieces with distinctive striping or unique drawing are among the most sought-after specimens.