General Gemstone Details
Agate, which is also Chalcedony is known by many forms.
No gemstone is more creatively colored and striped by nature than agate,
chalcedony quartz that forms in concentric layers in a wide variety
of colors and textures. Each individual agate forms by filling a cavity
in host rock. As a result, agate often is found as a round nodule, with
concentric bands like the rings of a tree trunk. The bands sometimes
look like eyes, sometimes fanciful scallops, or even a landscape with
dendrite trees.
In ancient times Agate was highly valued as a talisman or amulet,
it was also said to quench thirst and protect from fevers. And there
are legends that tell us that Persian magicians used agate to divert
storms.
A famous collection of three thousand agate bowls which was accumulated
by Mithradates, King of Pontus, shows the enthusiasm with which agate
was regarded in the past. Agate bowls were also popular during the
Byzantine Empire. Collecting agate bowls became common among European
royalty during the Renaissance and many museums in Europe, including
the Louver, have spectacular examples.
Scientific Properties:
Mohs Hardness of 7 with a trigonal crystal
structure.
Agates occur in nodular masses in rock such as volcanic
lavas. When split open, they often reveal in amazing variety of colors
and patterns and a distinct banding that distinguishes agate from other
forms of chalcedony (the compact, microcrystalline variety of quart).
The mining of agate in the Nahe River valley in Germany
which was already documented in 1497 gave rise to the cutting center
of Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Originally, the river was used to power
the grinding wheels. When the Nahe agate deposit was exhausted in the
nineteenth century, Idar cutters started to develop the agate deposits
of Brazil, which also sparked exploration and discovery of Brazil's
rich deposits of amethyst, citrine, tourmaline, topaz, and other gemstones.
Although the small town of Idar-Oberstein is still known for the
finest agate carving in the world, today Idar imports a huge range
of other gem materials from around the world.
Mystical Properties:
Agate is said to enhance one's perceptiveness and to stimulate analytical
capacity, and to provide balance between one's physical, emotional,
intellectual and spiritual states. Agate is also said to alleviate hostilities
and promote goodwill.
Agate is believed to help discern truth, accept circumstances, and is
a powerful emotional healer. Legend says that Agate improves memory
and concentration, increases stamina and encourages honesty.
It is believed to prevent insomnia and ensure pleasant
dreams, to enhance personal courage and protect one against danger.
Agate provides a calming influence, improves perception, concentration
and helps to develop and increase one's analytical talents.
Healing Properties:
Agates are among the oldest good luck and healing stones.
In general agate enables the wearer to choose between true friends and
falls ones. It is said to avert storms and lightning, protecting children
from danger, especially in preventing falls, and to bring prosperity.
Agate is said to help treat disorders of the pancreas
and to improve circulation. It is also a balancing and cleansing stone
that can help bridge the gap between head and heart. Different types
and colors of agates are said to have additional properties.
Zodiac:
Associations: Mercury (generally speaking)
Not a traditional birthstone for any month.
Stone of Gemini (Elemental) to sensitize and strengthen
willpower. Other assocations are below by the particular sign.
