Banded Agate: A Journey Through Its Rich History Beautiful banded agates are sometimes called layered agates because of their distinctive look, which elevates this stone to the status of a masterpiece. Quartz and chalcedony, two of the primary minerals, are combined to create this stone. Because it has so many different colors, this stone is also known as the earth rainbow. An enticing gemstone is created by the vibrant colors that form stripes on its surface.