Indonesian Caddisfly Agate Specimen

This colorful agate showcases the fossilized larval cases of the caddisfly (Trichoptera), an insect more closely related to moths and butterflies than to the common house fly. The striking tube-shaped forms encased within the agate mass were easily fossilized due to their original structural durability, as opposed to the soft bodies of the larvae, which rarely ever fossilized. The tube forms are colored golden orange to red by their replacement minerals, and they float within a light blue to white agate.

This piece is showing several natural windows with a preponderance of orbs and oblong casings in several colors. One side has several coatings of micro druzy - one pocket of which extends into the piece by about 1/2”. Overall, a beautiful little piece that should cut some stunning cabs and slices! In this material the larval casings display as either orbicular or oblong, depending on their orientation. Either way they create a ton of visual interest.

This is a rough, unpolished specimen. Please observe images closely for flaws, as some degree of that is normal. Pictured wet and dry.

Approximate measurements:

Weight: 361 grams

Height/Width/Depth: 3.7” x 2.9” x 1.75” at widest points

General info: Gemstone Specimens