Agate is a variety of Chalcedony which forms in concentric layers. It can be found in a wide variety of different colours and textures and each individual gemstone forms by filling a cavity in a host rock and as a result, it is often found as a round nodulewith bands like the rings of a tree trunk.
Its name comes from the river Achates now known as the Dirillo river in South West Sicily which is the locality where it was first discovered. Agate is one of the oldest of all minerals and the earliest references are in the writings of Theophrastus (c.370-285BC). Highly valued by ancient cultures including the Sumerians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans who used it for talismans, amulets, seals, rings and vessels, it is believed to have been one of the stones in the high priest's breastplate also known as the breastplate of Aaron.
Agate was highly valued during medieval times and was believed to offer protection against danger by making those who wore or carried it invisible. It has also been identified as having been used by Stone Age man and its use can be traced back as far as 20,000 BC.
As a result of its hardness and also because of the wide variety of colours and markings in which it can be found, it is extremely popular for use in jewellery but is also used in industry to make mortars and pestles to crush and mix chemicals due to its ability to resist acids.
Crystals can be obviously translucent or appear to be opaque when in fact they're translucent. With the aid of a bright light, magnificent wavy bands of colour often become visible which makes this gemstone particularly distinctive. Cutting it into fine slices allows light to pass through more easily and hence these bands become more visible making it even more spectacular.
Agate has many beliefs and superstitions associated with it and it has long been used in crystal healing. It's excellent for those who deal with numbers as it helps with precision by stimulating analytical capabilities. It is also suitable for anything related to money including acquiring it, keeping it by protecting it and generosity in sharing it. It is one of the oldest of gems used to bring good luck and also offers protection for children. It was once believed that sucking on an Agate would quench ones thirst. It encourages one to speak the truth and can also stimulate memories. A gemstone for relaxation, peace, cleansing, balance, meditation and vitality, it can also be extremely grounding. It balances the yin and yang energies, can strengthen sight and help with the many stressful situations of everyday life.
Associated with the zodiac sign of Gemini, it is also the Hebrew and Roman ancient traditional birthstone for the month of May and the anniversary gemstone for the 12th year of marriage.
Agate is graded 7 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness.
Further reading:
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Our collection of Agate jewellery
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