Only formed in the land locked copper veins which run throughout the Keweenaw Peninsula, copper banded agates are a very rare variety of Lake Superior agate. In the All About Agates blog post, we learned how agates form and varieties of inclusions (additional minerals trapped in the gemstone).
The copper bands seen in these agates are considered inclusions within the agate. Often known as "copper replacement agates" the copper replaces the bands of other oxides within the gemstone.
Here in the shop, we love to include these rare gemstones in our pendants and rings.
Generally copper banded agates are light pink or greenish and are quite small. Often, they look like any other agate until they are cut in half to reveal the copper bands within. They are quite rare and little is known about the formation process of these unique little gemstones. While the research is being conducted however, we'll continue to appreciate them for their beauty and 2 in 1 pieces of our local region (native U.P. copper and a bit of Superior).
Love the look of the copper banded agates? Browse through our stock of them to pick your favorite and create your very own, unique, double banded ring! Want even more options than those listed in our choose your own ring page? Swing by the store and chat with us about a custom design featuring one of our other gemstones!
My son and I made sure to get this for my fiancé it really shows her love for the UP! Everyone comments on the rustic look because it’s one of a kind!
My husband bought this for me in an aquamarine for my birthday. I love the uniqueness of the ring. The birch etching goes throughout the entire band. He knows I love me a birch tree and picked out the perfect gift. Packaging and shipping were on point.
they are a present for my grandaughter out in Wyoming-i'm going to give them to her next week. i think they're great-we'll see what she thinks..
This is a cute personalized Valentine pendant.
don't know how you get that much detail into such a small area thewy were a big hit. thanks again.
My wife loves Cickadees and she loves these perched on the beautiful copper ring which highlights the delicate silver birds.
Got this for my sister and she loved it. Reminds us of our mother and grandmother’s love of this tiny creature.
This pendant is absolutely precious. It was a perfect Valentine gift. The lovebirds and carved heart with initials made it very special. Hats off to Brooke on this darling design.
I love all the details on this piece, especially the "imperfect" notches around the edges. It looks beautiful with or without initials, but I love my personalized version.