Since the late 1970ies a very characteristic type of agate is offered in Idar-Oberstein. This material is called “ blue banded chalcedony” or “namibian blue lace agate”. In generally platy banded pieces up to 50 mm width and 10 kilos weigth are offered. Collectors items with a complete pattern - as presented here - are very rare.

The Mine is situated at Viooldrif near to the south-african border. Mining operations are done by southafrican miners too. They are following a single seem of blue chalcedony in hard granite in a depth of 15 meters. The remaining reserves are very limited. No other deposits have been discovered yet.

More informations about this material and other southafrican gemstones are offered at the homepage of afrigemtec