Introduction to Agate Stone
One of the stones that we sell at Karma and Luck is the Agate stone. Known as the stabilizer, Agate is the stone to call on for support when you need stability and grounding in your life. Along with its supportive energy, the Agate stone has been long admired for its incredible beauty.
This stone has a dreamy quality with signature bands made up of mineral deposits layered in a perfectly circular symmetry around its circumference. The bright colors and fine grains of Agate are only part of what makes it a popular stone. It is a member of silica, the cryptocrystalline variety and is found among assorted rocks. Most commonly associated with volcanic rocks as well as certain metamorphic rocks.
The History of The Agate Stones
If we look back in ancient times, we can find agate among the artifacts discovered from Neolithic regions. History tells that agate stone was used in carving items, such as ornaments and amulets. Agate has been used in Greek and Egyptian empires because of its medicinal properties, which later spread to Russia through Middle Eastern countries.
It is believed that during the third or fourth century BC that agate was discovered by the Greek philosopher, Theophrastus. He would name the stone after the Achates River of Sicily, Italy. It is the same river we know today as the Dirillo River.
Agate Rock Identification
Let us introduce this mineral, a beautiful stone that is a member of the silicon dioxide, aka quartz, family. The continental crust of the earth is where you’ll find it in its natural and raw form. It is the second most copious mineral with the feldspar mineral group being the most found. Two primary branches distinguish Quartz:
- Macrocrystalline Quartz
- Cryptocrystalline Quartz
The classification for Agate is under the variety of cryptocrystalline, or to be specific, chalcedony quartz. When we break down the cryptocrystalline quartz, there are two varieties found: fibrous, chalcedony quartz and granular. Chalcedony quartz can transpire in a range of colors and different patterns with the agate being defined as the ‘banded’ variety traditionally and considered of chalcedony quartz. The specimens that are lighter and solid in color are referred to as ‘chalcedony’.
The specimens of Cryptocrystalline are very fine crystal structures, they are not visible to the naked eye nor even by a microscope, which leads to the Agate being referred to as ‘microcrystalline’. That term is a basic suggestion that the crystal structure is slightly bigger than much of other cryptocrystalline species. There is no clearly defined measurement between the cryptocrystalline and micro and as such, one cannot describe the Agate to be either one.
Agate Stone Meaning
The Agate meaning can differ from civilization to civilization. For example, the Babylonians believed the properties of Agate could be used to dispel evil energy and would place it around their home accordingly. Also, some famous Babylonian axe heads were made out of banded agate dating back before 3000BC.
Persians believed this healing stone could be used to defend against a storm. They did this by burning the agate, which we wouldn't recommend nowadays.
Similarly, while Islamic cultures believed that Agate helped ward off evil eye and tragedies, Egyptians thought the stone helped protect against natural disasters and could deliver powers of speech.
However, the Chinese believed the Agate crystal provided spiritual protection. According to them, the crystal helped make them stay more positive and make space for good luck and fortune.
One of the most famous pieces of agate comes from the Ancient Greek times and is known as the Pylos Combat Agate. Despite being less than one and a half inches wide, it depicts a warrior in hand-to-hand combat. It is said to date back to around 1450 BCE.
Today, the Agate meaning continues to be known for its protective qualities. By anchoring you to the Earth, the Agate stone meaning can help boost your sense of balance and centeredness. Agate helps you to slow down and find your center so you can move through life with more grace and ease. Agate is commonly found in many different countries, making them easy for anyone to work with.
The Origin of Agate Crystal Meaning
The Agate stones that are found today come from deposits around the world in places like America, Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, India, Mexico, Myanmar, and Uruguay.
Agate is typically found along with several other types of rock, but primarily volcanic rock. Agates usually form within pockets of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rock like granite or melaphyre as well as porphyry.
Varieties of Agate
The color patterns in agates usually take the form of flat or concentric layers or bands. Mossy or dendritic inclusions can sometimes create the impression of vegetation and landscapes. Varieties of this gemstone are described by their color patterns, inclusions, or source.
Banded
With regular color layers and bright colors, this variety is one of the most popular. These stones are found all around the world, but Brazil is one of the most productive sources. Many of the richly colored, banded agates you see for sale are dyed.
Moss, Plume, and Dendritic
These stones contain mossy inclusions of mineral oxides that may be any color. Stones that present plant-like patterns are called moss agates. Those with feather-like patterns are called plume agates. Those with tree-like, branching patterns are called dendritic agates.
Picture or Scenic
Some inclusions can create the appearance of whole landscapes, complete with lakes, shorelines, trees, and shrubs, within an Agate. Stones that show these “natural pictures” are treasured.
Fire
Inclusions of plate-like crystals of limonite make fire Agates iridescent. Cutting and polishing can enhance this effect.
Lace
Noted for their delicate designs, these stones are banded with intricate swirls and loops. Mexico is one of the premier sources of this material.
Iris
These stones show iridescent colors reflecting from between the color layers.
Shell
Embedded, silicified shells create patterns in these Agates. Turritella agate is composed mostly of shells and shell fragments of the gastropod turritella and certain other species.
Agate Healing Properties
Compared to other gemstones in the mineral kingdom, Agate properties radiate a lower, more gentle frequency, which makes them an ideal piece for someone looking to slow down and get centered.
Agate’s soothing and stress-relieving properties help you connect with the energy of the Earth by bringing harmony to your mind, body, and spirit. When you feel unbalanced, Agate healing properties have soft vibrations that can recalibrate and realign you.
These healing effects are especially the case with Blue Lace Agate, the perfect stone for anyone that has trouble speaking their mind. This type of Agate gemstone is made of translucent blue and white chalcedony bands, which radiate the healing energy of the water element. The therapeutic frequencies of Blue Lace Agate help to usher in waves of calm confidence that are not overwhelming but steady and constant.
For a throat chakra cleanse, you can use the Blue Lace Agate crystal with other blue and blue-green stones to strengthen your communication skills. This meditation practice will help you speak clearly and with confidence. The throat chakra can also affect your ability to listen and communicate, which is why it can help you speak truthfully and wholeheartedly to yourself.
This is the medicine of Blue Lace Agate and its ability to open and activate the throat chakra. In fact, an out of balance or blocked throat chakra can adversely affect your relationships. When this energy center is stagnant, it can be hard to understand others or be able to express yourself authentically and truthfully.
If you suffer from anxiety or stress, Agate is one of the best crystals to work with to achieve a calmer, more balanced state. This crystal’s soothing, grounding energy guides you out of a state of panic or overwhelm, and helps you get re-centered.
While holding a Blue Lace Agate crystal, take three slow, deep breaths. Envision the crystal’s heavenly blue hues guiding you into a calmer state of being. To amplify Agate’s calming energy, combine it with third-eye chakra crystals like Amethyst to create an all-around peaceful energy.
Moss Agate is a whole another story when it comes to healing properties. This light to dark green stone can be used as a cleansing tool when you harness its pure essence, which is closely associated with the healing elements of Earth. If you are looking for long-lasting endurance in your life, the gentle and steady energy of this heart chakra stone can give you the grounding you need to keep persevering.
We recommend this stone for supporting a struggle against any type of addiction or if you’re trying to implement healthy habits. Moss Agate can help you manifest your goals with its strong and stable energy.
Its range of green colors also symbolizes new growth and beginnings, making it an excellent stone for keeping in your garden. Reawaken your green thumb with Moss Agate and its positive and mellow vibes.
Another variety of the chalcedony family, Flower Agate properties are known for inviting the energy of new beginnings. These crystals appear to have cherry blossom trees growing within them, which evokes feelings of growth and transformation within. Flower Agate crystals have a gentle, encouraging energy that nudges you to live up to your fullest potential.
One way to work with any variety of Agate is through meditation. During your meditation session, set aside 20 minutes to connect with the Agate, which can be held in each hand as you focus on a gentle and steady breathing rhythm.
Breathe deeply during your Agate meditation and you'll be able to deepen your access to its harmonizing energy. Ask the Agate to help you during your process of change, instability or stress by giving you support and stability to stay centered through it all.
Top 5 Benefits of Agate
- Healing properties of agate and mystical power
Agate is a cooling stone many use to help calm the pulse and ensure overall good health and a long prosperous life. Wearing Agate can help one guard against danger. It helps one see the world from a broader perspective and more clarity. Also, wearing this gemstone helps those who are having difficulties with insomnia. Given the very calming nature of this stone, it is said to help generate more positive dreams.
- Establishes positivity
Wearing Agate helps bring positive energy into your life. Wearing this gemstone helps you learn to accept situations and things in a positive perspective.
It helps cultivate positive feelings of:
- peace
- calmness
- appreciation without any difficulty.
- Health benefits of agate
Wearing Agate helps strengthen your body and agate encourages more efficient functioning of your metabolism. Many people will hold their agate over their stomach to help with ailments in and around the stomach. By doing this, you can help in the areas of digestion. In this case, using agate for those who may get reflux or indigestion could be helpful.
The book Crystal Meaning also suggests agate can help strengthen blood vessels and heal skin disorders.
- Using agate to help improve your relationships
Agate has long been known to help in strengthening of relationships. As mentioned above, pink agate is great to develop a stronger bond between the parent and the child. Having agate around you can help remove emotional disharmony.
Not only does this stop you thinking about any negatives but gets you focused on providing solutions around a positive relationship. By using Agate to help you focus on the positive means, you will build a stronger relationship and become more connected.
Of course, there are tough times in any relationship and by holding or having agate around you will help to remain positive and think about all the good things. It is never a good idea to focus your energies on the negative. That leads to a downward spiral you don't want to go down.
- Agate and Wealth
Agate helps discourage overspending and wasteful habits, thereby protecting your wealth. By placing lovely Agate in and around your home, it will help you find those areas that are leaking your finances. Working with the energies of this stone can help you feel enriched and empowered to achieve all your financial goals. The calming nature of Agate will help you get clear on solutions instead of focusing on the challenges you may be facing right now.
Agate Gemstone
Agate is often cut and polished into cabochons or beads in order to preserve and display the stone’s patterns at their best.
Agate beads and cabochons are very hardwearing and durable and can therefore be used to make all sorts of jewelry, including pendants, rings, bracelets, necklaces and more. Agate is also used to make figurine carvings, small statues and even book ends, making this a very versatile type of gemstone.
Agate Price
In general, Agate values are quite modest. Because Agate stones are available on the market relatively inexpensively, they’re a great stone for jewelry-makers and beading enthusiasts to use for their handmade projects. Their prices reflect mainly labor and artistry rather than the value of the material itself. Agates of large size or with particularly distinctive, fine, or landscape-like color patterns are at a premium. Custom cut pieces or stones from collectible locations would be substantially more expensive.
The Mythology and Powers of the Agate
Being one of the oldest stones ever recorded, the Agate gemstones have many different beliefs of power connected. The agate is thought to protect from fatigue, nightmares, and stress. It was during biblical times that Agates were worn as jewelry as protection against impending storms. All through ancient times, the agate has held a high value as amulets and talismans.
Agate has been used for quenching the thirst and providing protection from fevers. Those who practice alternative healing will position an Agate stone on a person suffering from stomach illness (on their solar plexus). It is believed that alleviates and eases the illness. The agate stone is a symbol of strength and provides the holder the power to carry through and move forward during tough times.
