Agate

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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.

Some Agate items that may currently be available in our store....

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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.

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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.

Blue Lace Agate	Moss Agate	Botswana Agate
Crazy Lace Agate	Fire Agate	Tree Agate
Eagle Eye Agate	Eye Agate	Leaf Agate
Carnelian	Onyx	Chalcedony

Don't forget to also check the Magical Properties of these Agates.

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More Healing Information

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. See Below...

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Magical Properties:
Energy: Various, see below..
Element: Various, see below..
Powers: Strength, courage, longevity, gardening, love, healing and protection

The numerous types of agate - vaguely distinguishable by color or marking - are used in various types of magic. Though any type of agate may be worn for the above uses, these particular stones have traditional energies. A list of some of the major ones and their magical attributes are as follows:

Banded Agate (energy: projective, element: fire) For protection, restores bodily energy and eases stressful situations.

Black Agate (energy: projective, element: fire) A protective stone, wear for courage andd successful competitions.

Black and White Agate (energy: projective, element: fire) Worn as an amulet, this agate guards against physcial dangers.

Blue Lace Agate (energy: receptive, element: water) Wear or carry this stone for peace and happiness. Place in your hand to destress the entire body.

Brown or Tawny Agate (energy projective, element: fire) Long ago worn by warriors for victory in battle, today is is used for success in any undertaking. Prized in Italy and Persia as a guard against the evil eye. Also a fine wealth talisman.

Creamy Yellow Agate (energy: receptive, element: sun) Helps to lighten moods when used properly within a spell.

Mustard Yellow Agate (energy: receptive, element: sun) Useful in contacting the creative side of the mind and building an inventive mood.

Green Agate (energy: receptive, element: earth) This agate is generally worn for improved health of the eyes.

Moss Agate (energy: receptive, element: earth) Due to this stone's curious marking, the moss agate is especially the gardener's talisman. It is also worn to relieve a stiff neck, lend energy to the depleted, and for healing purposes. It is also used in spells involving riches, happiness, and longevity. Wear this stone to make new friend and to discover "treasure".

Red Agate (energy: projective, element: fire) Also known by many as the "Blood Agate" this stone was worn in ancient Rome to guard against insect bites and to heal the blood, as well as to promote calm and peace. It is also said to drive away spiders.

Grey with White Stripes Agate (energy: receptive, element: water) is often used for intellectual pursuits.

Brecciated (broken pieces, usually brown and red, held together by quartz) Used for optimism, tranquility, helps to avoid negative behavior and is a vibrational changer.

Enhydritic (nodules with water trapped inside) Used to contact water devas, and to balance emotions.

For more information on specific agates, see specific gemstones below.....

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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.

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More Chakra Info

More Kundalini Info

Chakra Classification:
Red agates are associated with the 3rd, or Solar Plexus Chakra , and blue agates are associated with the 5th Throat Chakra.

Agate, Blue Lace Stone of Pisces
Blue lace agate is a gentle, calming stone that engenders tranquility. It assists in flight, grace, reaching higher Spiritual planes, communicating with angels as well as activates the 5th, or Throat Chakra. It can ease the harsh edge off communication in difficult times, enhance public speaking, and smooth discussions. It is an inspiring stone that can assist in inner attunement, and has been used to perform miracles. As with all agates, it is a protective stone. Physically it has been used to aid with arthritis, headaches, digestive issues, growth, and bones.

Agate, Moss Stone of Virgo
Holding this gentle and nurturing stone makes one think of sunlight dappling through the leaves and the scents of loam and fresh moss. It is especially beneficial as a gardener's talisman. It balances the emotions, heals the heart and brings a positive outlook. Moss agate can also be used to enhance plant growth and to grow prosperity, manifesting wealth and abundance into your life.

It also leads one toward the characteristics of agreeability, persuasiveness, strenght in all endeavors and effacy in all pursuits. It will assist in improving the ego and self-esteem, while providing for emotional balancing and strengthening of th epositive personality traits. It allows one to see the beauty within all that ones eyes touch.

Agate, Botswana Stone of Scorpio
Botswana agate is sometimes called the "change stone" because of its property of helping one handle change in a positive way. It gently helps one make transitions of any kind in a way that change is not as difficult or painful as could be without it; it is a comforting stone. Carrying a bit of Botswana agate in your pocket can help one cope easily with the minor changes that life throws at us daily.

Relief from depression and/or grief is another property of Botswana agate. It helps focus on solutions instead of problems, and thereby increases creativity. It increases the power of one's intuition. It stimulates the 7th, or Crown Chakra and energizes the auric body.

Botswana agate is helpful in overcoming addictions and other self-destructive compulsive behavior patterns, as well as dealing with repressed emotional issues. As a success stone, it helps one achieve and cope with success. It is also a stone of sensuality. It is beneficial to the nervous system and can help rid the body of toxins, as well as help in the healing of broken bones. Quite a powerful agate.

Agate, Crazy Lace/Mexican Lace Stone of Aries
Crazy Lace Agate is a balancing and protecting stone. It brings laughter to it's possessor and absorbs emotional pain. Crazy Lace Agate is used to help with decision making by balancing the physical, emotional, and mental so that it is easier to make decisions.

It also helps one stay focused. Although, generally a protective stone, it has particularly strong emotionally protective properties. It is also said to ward off the "evil eye." Physically, crazy lace agate is excellent for increasing stamina and energy, and is good for skin disorders such as acne, eczema, etc., is beneficial for the endocrine system and the heart.

Agate, Fire Stone of Aries
Fire agate is a stone of courage, protection, and strength. It relieves fears, halts gossip and even reflects any threat of harm back to the source. Fire agate can help with spiritual advancement and progression, it promotes and enhances energy, including meditation, ritual, and healing energies. It also balances masculine (active) and feminine (receptive) energies.

Emotionally, it can take the edge off the emotional charge of problems. Fire agate is often used in spells to increase skills in communication in writing and speaking. It can also heighten visualization. Physically, fire agate enhances all healing energies, and assists with healing of the circulatory system, lymph system, intestines.

Agate, Tree
Tree (Dendritic) Agate is said to assist with introspection and self-discovery. It can give a wider viewpoint of the world. Tree agate relives tension, fever, and skin eruptions. It also brings plentiful crops.

Agate, Eagle Eye
Eagle Eye Agate enhances creativity and strengthens the intellect, making it a beneficial stone for both students and artists. It is also known as a good luck stone. Agate increases energy - however, because it is a grounding stone, it does not increase energy at all times, but rather enables bursts of energy as needed. In this way, this agate is a conservation stone, and enhances longevity.

Agate, Leaf
Silver Leaf Agates are said to help with grounding and balancing as well as to open the wearer up for acceptance, protection and abundance.
Golden Leaf Agates are to assist with acceptance, it offers emotional and physical balance, connects to nature and fosters love.

Agate, Eye
Eye Agate, sometimes call Orbital or Cat's Eye Agate, is used to treat growths, and stimulate regenerative powers of the body. Attunes one to other planets of this solar system.

Chalcedony (Agate is a form of Chalcedony which is a form of Quartz)

Please See Chalcedony Page for more information

Carnelian (Carnelian is often considered an agate, as it is a form of Chalcedony which is also a form of Quartz)

Please See Carnelian Page for more information

Onyx (Onyx is often considered an agate, as it is a form of Chalcedony which is also a form of Quartz)

Please See Onyx Page for more information

Information Sources:
The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall, 2003
Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith, PhD, 2000
Crystal Enchantments by D.J. Conway, 1999
Smithsonian Handbooks Gemstones by Cally Hall, 1994
Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic by Scott Cunningham, 2002
Chakra Healing & Karmic Awareness by Keith Sherwood, 2005
The Illustrated Directory of Crystal Healing by Cassandra Eason, 2003
Healing Crystals and Gemstones by Dr. Flora Peschek-Bohmer, Gisela Schrieber, 2002

The information here is presented to you to use as you see fit, but is not to take the place of professional medical advice. Crystals, Gemstones and Metal can accent, help, negate, protect, encourage, strengthen, and balance and thereby promote healing. Their effects can be extraordinary, but use in addition to medical advice, and not as a substitute for proper care. If you are ill, we beseech you to seek professional medical attention from a qualified physician.