Also a mineral of the Quartz family, Agate is the name given to numerous varieties of banded Chalcedony. Greek philosopher and naturalist, Theophrastus, gave the gemstone its name when he discovered the stone along the shore line of the Achates River in Sicily. This gemstone is a group of crystals of the cryptocrystalline variety of silica, chiefly chalcedony, characterised by its fineness of grain and variety of colour. It often coexists with layers or masses of opal, jasper or crystalline quartz.
Agates are classically associated with volcanic rocks, and can be common in certain metamorphic rocks. This gemstone is usually banded in layers, or stripes, and some varieties have “eye” markings, or specks of colour. Some also have fossilised inclusions, where others are solid. Nearly every colour the earth can produce can be found in the concentric bands of this gemstone and is also known as the earth rainbow. There is also a colourless variety.
Mohs Hardness
Gemstone hardness is measured on the Mohs scales. This stone is 7 on the Mohs scale. For further information please see http://www.geologypage.com/2016/04/mohs-hardness-scale.html
Sources
Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Poland, Botswana, India, Australia, and the United States.
Gemstone Meaning
Historically, this stone has been discovered with the artefacts of Neolithic era. Agate is one of the most common materials used in the art of hard-stone carving. It was used as healing amulets and ornamentation dating back to Babylon. Its medicinal uses continued through the ancient Greek and Egyptian civilisations, and spread throughout Africa and the Middle East into Russia. Agate sparked a world-renowned stone cutting and polishing industry in Germany that has existed from the 15th century.
This gemstone is highly regarded as a stabilising and strengthening influence. It has a lower intensity and vibrates to a slower frequency than other stones. The layered bands of microscopic quartz in Agate may appear delicate, they are actually very strong. It is excellent for balancing emotional, physical and intellectual energy, and in harmonising yin and yang, the positive and negative forces of the universe. This gemstone is believed to stop the burning desires for things we do not need, and assists those juggling commitments or multiple jobs. These gemstones help writers express ideas. It is also thought to promote marital fidelity.
Promoting inner stability, composure, and maturity. Agate has warm, protective properties which encourage security and self-confidence. Agate is thought to be useful as a protection amulet when travelling.
When used as a professional support stone, Agate stabilizes the imagination and inspiration of artists, provides personal security for police, telephone workers, cooks, chefs and bakers, and protection from falling objects for builders and construction workers. It provides physical strength and endurance for dancers, dentists, and environmentalists, and emotional endurance for educators and recreational workers.
Varieties of Agate include
Spiritual Healing Properties
Agate encourages a sense of reality and soothe those who desire peace and harmony, while those with irregular designs can stimulate action and important decision making. It promotes self-acceptance and confidence, encouraging the speaking of one’s own truth. Agate is thought to overcome negativity and bitterness of the heart, by healing anger, fostering love, and lending the courage to start over. It is useful for any kind of trauma.
Chakra
These depend on the individual types of Agate. Please see the list above.
Element
Zodiac Sign
Stone Combination
The following are good stones to combine with Agate
The following are incompatible stones with Agate
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For in depth information please visit the Gemological Institute of America’s Gem Encyclopedia.