What is binghamite agate?

Binghamite agate is a type of chalcedony that is found in the Bingham Canyon copper mine in Utah. It is typically yellow, brown, or red-brown in color, often with banding or swirling patterns. Binghamite agate is valued for its unique appearance and is used in jewelry and lapidary work. It is composed of silica and other minerals, including iron, manganese, and aluminum oxides. Binghamite agate is believed to have formed from the alteration of volcanic rock in hydrothermal environments. It is named after the Bingham Canyon mine where it was first discovered in the 1900s.