Crafting with care is key when setting Moss Agate.
Moss Agate is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after gemstones in the jewelry world, thanks to the reception it is receiving among Gen Z across social media. Its popularity is skyrocketing as today’s designers and consumers alike are embracing its unique, nature-inspired beauty. With its earthy inclusions resembling lush forests or winding rivers, Moss Agate offers a distinctive look that can’t be replicated.
What is Moss Agate?
Behind every gemstone, there’s a science that explains its luminous color or its incredible hardness. Those rivers of green inside Moss Agate come from the oxidation of two elements, magnesium and iron. As the stone forms, cracks develop inside, and these elements fill those cracks. This creates those intricate and unique greens that make each stone one of a kind.
Agates are a reasonably durable stone strong stone as they have a hardness level of 7-7 ½ on the Moh’s hardness scale. However, the cracks featured in Moss Agate present vulnerabilities that make working with this stone a challenge. So, how do you create stunning designs with this unique gemstone while maintaining its integrity?
3 Tips for Handling Moss Agate Safely
With Moss Agate’s rising popularity, many jewelers will find themselves working with these stones. To help jewelers handle this beautiful but tricky stone, we’ve outlined three important points to keep in mind while working with Moss Agate.
1. Those stunning green veins within the stone are not only points of beauty, but they also double as weak points. When working with the stone, make sure you are very gentle in those areas.
2. To avoid cracking the stone, be sure to take extra time when setting the stone into a mounting.
3. When cleaning, be sure to use either a gem cloth with a cleaning agent that won’t penetrate the veins or a soft-bristled brush with warm, soapy water. While regular agate is usually safe with both ultrasonic and steam cleaners, Moss Agate is an exception and should NOT be used with either.
It’s important to note that when working with Moss Agate, no special tools are needed — all you need is patience and a delicate touch to bring out the best in this gorgeous gemstone.
Explore Stuller’s Selection
Moss Agate’s durability makes it a great choice for center stones, as well as engagement rings. At Stuller, we offer a selection of Moss Agate gemstones for jewelers looking to create one-of-a-kind designs. Our stones are available in both faceted and cabochon cuts that appeal to lovers of modern jewelry styles.
Bringing Out the Best in Moss Agate
Moss Agate’s unique beauty and rising popularity make it a gemstone worth mastering. While it may present challenges during the setting process, with the right approach and careful handling, it can become the stunning centerpiece of any design. With Stuller’s diverse selection of Moss Agate, you can craft truly unique pieces that will captivate your customers.