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The name of the stone “Agate” comes from the river “Achates” where it was first found. Agate is a gemstone which is used for decoration and jewelry. It is found largely in volcanic rocks or lavas. It fills in the cracks of volcanic rocks when the lavas burst from them, this is how the parallel lines form in the crystal. Because of the nature of this crystal there are many many types of Agate that form with a large variety of colours. The gemstone can be traced back to 20000 - 15000 BC
The main sources of Agate are Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, Poland, Botswana, India, Australia, and the United States (Oregon, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Michigan)
Types of Agate:
Agate Geode - Layer of Agate surrounding a cavity in a geode that is usually lined with a layer of small Quartz crystals.
Blue Lace Agate - Agate with light blue bands in a lacy or wavy pattern.
Botswana Agate - Agate from the African country of Botswana banded with fine parallel lines of white, purple, or peach.
Condor Agate - Agate from San Rafael, Argentina, often with vivid colors.
Crazy Lace Agate - Agate with twisting and turning bands of various colors.
Dendritic Agate - Translucent Chalcedony with tree-like or fern-like inclusions. Dendritic Agate is technically not a true Agate, as it lacks the banding patterns exhibited in Agates.
Eye Agate - Agate with banded, concentric rings that are perfectly rounded.
Fire Agate - Form of Agate or Chalcedony that is iridescent with a play of colors or "fire" similar to that of Opal. Fire Agates usually have botryoidal growth included in their interior. The play of color is caused by inclusions of Goethite or Limonite.
Fortification Agate - Agate with a pattern in which all bands connect to each other, causing it to resemble a medieval fortress (i.e. imaginary moat and walls surrounding the castle).
Iris Agate - Rare iridescent Agate that exhibits spectral colors on a translucent colorless or white base.
Laguna Agate - Well known form of colorful Agate with very dense banding from Ojo Laguna, Chihuahua, Mexico.
Moss Agate - Chalcedony containing dense inclusions of green Hornblende that cause the pattern to resemble moss. Moss Agate is technically not a true Agate as it lacks the banding patterns of Agate.
Onyx - Type of Chalcedony gemstone whose meaning can have several connotations. Its most practical gemstone definition describes a solid black Chalcedony, or a banded or layered black and white Chalcedony.
Sagenite Agate - Agate with acicular or or pointed inclusions of various minerals. These hair like formations are often arranged in fans or bursts.
Sardonyx - Form of Agate with parallel bands of brownish to red alternating with white or sometimes black bands.
Snakeskin Agate - Agate with a scale-like layer that resembles the skin of a snake. Also refers to a reddish brown Agate with small black concentric bands.
Agate Healing Properties:
Agate enhances mental function, improves concentration, enhances perception and analytical abilities. It is a soothing and calming gemstone that heals inner anger, anxiety and helps in the strengthening of relationships. Agate instills security and safety.
How to Use:
Hold or place on the appropriate point. Wear for long periods to gain maximum benefit. Tuck into plant pots
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