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Agate overview
This is just an overview of agate in general. There are many
different wonderful and unique types of agate.
Like jasper I will post more details on each variety of agate in post to
come.
Agate comes in a rainbow of colors. I love using agate beads
to make unique jewelry creations. With the variety of colors the creational possibilities
are endless
General
and Scientific
Mohs Hardness of 7 with a trigonal crystal structure.
Agate /ˈæɡət/ is a microcrystalline variety of silica,
chiefly chalcedony, characterised by its fineness of grain and brightness of
color. Although agates may be found in various kinds of rock, they are
classically associated with volcanic rocks and can be common in certain
metamorphic rocks.
The stone was given its name by Theophrastus, a Greek
philosopher and naturalist, who discovered the stone along the shore line of
the river Achates (Greek: Ἀχάτης) sometime between
the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. Colorful agates and other chalcedonies were
obtained over 3,000 years ago from the Achates River, now called Dirillo, in
Sicily.
Ancient
use
Agate is one of the most common materials used in the art of
hardstone carving, and has been recovered at a number of ancient sites,
indicating its widespread use in the ancient world; for example, archaeological
recovery at the Knossos site on Crete illustrates its role in Bronze Age Minoan
culture.
Most agates occur as nodules in volcanic rocks or ancient
lavas where they represent cavities originally produced by the disengagement of
volatiles in the molten mass which were then filled, wholly or partially, by
siliceous matter deposited in regular layers upon the walls. Agate has also
been known to fill veins or cracks in volcanic or altered rock underlain by
granitic intrusive masses. Such agates, when cut transversely, exhibit a
succession of parallel lines, often of extreme tenuity, giving a banded
appearance to the section. Such stones are known as banded agate, riband agate
and striped agate.
In the formation of an ordinary agate, it is probable that
waters containing silica in solution—derived, perhaps, from the decomposition
of some of the silicates in the lava itself—percolated through the rock and
deposited a siliceous coating on the interior of the vapour-vesicles.
Variations in the character of the solution or in the conditions of deposition
may cause a corresponding variation in the successive layers, so that bands of
chalcedony often alternate with layers of crystalline quartz. Several
vapour-vesicles may unite while the rock is still viscous, and thus form a
large cavity which may become the home of an agate of exceptional size; thus a
Brazilian geode lined with amethyst and weighing 35 tons was exhibited at the
Düsseldorf Exhibition of 1902. Perhaps the most comprehensive review of agate
chemistry is a recent text by Moxon cited below.
The first deposit on the wall of a cavity, forming the
"skin" of the agate, is generally a dark greenish mineral substance,
like celadonite, delessite or "green earth", which are rich in iron
probably derived from the decomposition of the augite in the enclosing volcanic
rock. This green silicate may give rise by alteration to a brown iron oxide
(limonite), producing a rusty appearance on the outside of the agate-nodule.
The outer surface of an agate, freed from its matrix, is often pitted and
rough, apparently in consequence of the removal of the original coating. The
first layer spread over the wall of the cavity has been called the
"priming", and upon this base zeolitic minerals may be deposited.
Many agates are hollow, since deposition has not proceeded
far enough to fill the cavity, and in such cases the last deposit commonly
consists of drusy quartz, sometimes amethystine, having the apices of the
crystals directed towards the free space so as to form a crystal-lined cavity
or geode.
On the disintegration of the matrix in which the agates are
embedded, they are set free. The agates are extremely resistant to weathering
and remain as nodules in the soil or are deposited as gravel in streams and
shorelines.
Mystical
healing and magical
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.
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.
Powers: Strength, courage, longevity, gardening, love,
healing and protection
banned agate |
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 |
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.
yellow agate |
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 |
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.
Enhydritic |
More to come on this wonderful versatile gemstone
1.
Madagasker agate
2. Asia agate
3. Moss agate
4. India Black Skin
5. Plume agate
6. Blue Lace agate
7. Banded agate
8. Plume agate
9. Montana agate
10. Red agate
11. Crazy Lace agate
12. Argentina agate
13. Montana agate
14. Dry Head agate
15.Mexican Lace Agate
16.Laguna agate
17.Banded agate
18.Graveyard Point agate
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ReplyDeleteNice blog! This is useful for those who is looking for the alexandrite gemstone. Keep Sharing such information blog.
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