Agate

Agate is a type of Chalcedony. It is an uncommon stone. Agate is a great stone to buy if you want "something different". There are several types of agate. Common ones are: blue lace agate, fire agate, moss agate, tree agate and petrified wood. One will often see these in agate cabochons or agate beads. I've seen agate pendants, necklaces and bolo ties that look stunning.

Agate Information

Agate will chip and crack rather easily though it has a hardness rating of 7.

Agates occur in nodular masses. When you split open these rocks you find beautiful banding. As such, agate slices are often used for bookends or coasters. Agate comes in most colors.

Fire agate has distinctive iridescent colors caused by layers of iron oxide within the quartz.

Because agate is porous, it is often dyed to darken or change its natural color. Commonly treated agate is sold as Black Onyx.

Petrified wood is fossilized wood that has had its organic matter replaced by agate.

Agate is mined in Brazil, Eygpt, Germany, India, Italy, Madagascar, Mexico and the United States.

Moss Agate is thought to help one become in touch with nature. Tree Agate is said to enable introspection. It encourages one to view themself with more clarity and see the world through a larger viewpoint.

In ancient times, it was thought that agate protected the wearer from all dangers and gave the wearer courage.

Legend has it that Wearing Agate cures insomnia and brings refreshing dreams.