Tree Agate, Dendritic, Hand Carved Octopus

Adorable hand carved in Tree Agate octopus. It measures approximately 1.9" x 1.71" and weighs 2.45 ounces (70 grams). Tree agate is also known as dendritic agate. Dendrites are crystal inclusions that develop in foliage or tree branch-like patterns. In tree agate, these dendrites create a beautiful green dappling effect on a white base. This type of agate is frequently mistaken for moss agate, but these stones have different mineral traces creating unique green branch-like patterns. Technically, a tree agate isn't an agate as it doesn't have the banding found in agates but it is a variety of chalcedony and still a member of the agate family tree (pun intended). Agate is said to be a stone that promotes inner stability, and the Tree Agate's close connection to Mother Earth makes a tree agate an amplified agate, so to speak.  Ancient civilizations called it the ‘stone of plenitude,’ associating it with fortune and commerce. The Greeks would offer the stone to the gods, use it as garden d