Introduction
Agate is a famous gemstone well known for its inner beauty. Although this chalcedony variety looks less desirable from the outside, when you crack it open, you might find a beautiful vividly, banded patterned interior that boasts bright shapes and colors.
Chalcedony belongs to the quartz mineral family which produces gemstones such as jasper, bloodstone, onyx (such as black onyx, green onyx, red onyx), and agate. The agate stone has been used by mankind for centuries, with the earliest uses of agate being traced back to 3,000 years.
Let’s embark on the journey of discovering the astrological benefits of agate stone, while also going through its origins, history, uses, and benefits.
What Agate Basically Is?
Agate is one of the most common rock varieties belonging to the chalcedony mineral family. Since agate is a type of cryptocrystalline quartz, the agate stone family comes in various varieties, such as Moss Agate, Montana Agate, Plume Agate, Plumroot Agate, etc. which are all unique in their own different ways. You can find this particular gemstone in almost every natural color, ranging from brown to lilac to pink to yellow – and everything that lies between these colors.
Not only does the color in which agate is found make it unique and beautiful, but this stone's diverse patterns also add to its charm. Since agate gemstones are translucent, fascinating patterns are revealed by agates which are caused due to mossy inclusions. A single agate stone can exhibit multiple color patterns, making it a highly desired specimen where one stone differs completely from the next stone.
Each specimen of agate contains multiple layers of materials which can be thick, flat, bright, thin, opaque, translucent, or curved, thus creating an array of unique gems. You must be thinking, where does the agate get its color from? The answer is, that each agate stone gets its color through interacting with trace minerals such as chromium, manganese, iron, nickel, and titanium. Polishing an agate is the best method for showcasing the colors and patterns within an agate.
Significance and History of Agate Gemstone
The origin of the word “agate” comes from the ancient Greek philosopher and theorist, Theophrastus, who named agate stone after the Achates River which flowed in Southwestern Sicily between 400 BC and 300 BC. When the name of this river, Achates, was translated into English, it was named Agate.
During Theophrastus’s times, this river flowed through the Greek colony, and in the shallow waters of this river, agate stone was found for centuries. Also, agate headstone carvings were discovered in various archaeological sites including the Knossos site in Crete, Greece which belonged to the Bronze Age. In the Middle Ages, this gemstone was a popular ring material that was used by the nobility as signet rings which were nothing but signature stamps used by prominent public figures.
In today’s times, agate is considered to be the zodiac birthstone for the Gemini zodiac sign, thus representing balance, harmony, and stability.
Mining Locations of Agate
Now that we have discussed what agate basically is and the history of agate stone, you must be wondering, where does agate gemstone come from? Well, agate is formed in nodules within layers of silica in volcanic rocks and cavities. After the cavity gets filled, the agate mass is formed which leaves a hollow interior. In this hollow interior, crystalline quartz staggers and juts stunningly.
You can find multiple layers of colors and patterns within each nodule of agate host rock. You would be astounded to know that every agate’s design is shaped by the cavity in which it grew. And chances are, you will stumble on an agate without knowing what it is because, from the outside, its appearance is similar to any common rock. Only when you slice it open, you will uncover the beautiful design such as vivid layers of colorful lines, patterns, and shapes.
In order to bring out the gemstone’s inner beauty, lapidaries slice, polish, and tumble agate stone in cabochon style. Agates are not like faceted gems such as diamonds, sapphires, or emeralds which exhibit distinctive cuts – they look best when polished and cut in cabochons.
Different types of agates are found in different places. If you are looking for Fire agate or banded agate, you need to source it from Mexico. Scenic Agate is found in Wyoming and Montana in the USA. Moss agate is found in multiple locations in the United States such as Arizona, New Mexico, California, Oregon, and Washington. Indonesian agate is found in Indonesia. Lace Agate is primarily sourced from Namibia.
Some of the Astrological Benefits of Agate Gemstone
We have discussed a lot about agate. Now, let us move to the astrological benefits of agate gemstones. In astrology, agate is commonly used as a fortune teller stone. It is said that the wearer of agate jewelry gets charged with positive energy or chi and grounds back to earth. Legends say that Persian magicians could divert storms using agate jewelry. Here are some of the astrological benefits of agate jewelry:
- Agate jewelry protects its wearer from black magic and evil eye.
- Agate helps the wearer become mentally strong and have internal calmness in tough times.
- Agate jewelry is extremely beneficial for fighting any type of stress – be it work-related, family-related, etc.
- Agate gemstone helps its wearer to come in sync with the higher self, enabling him to seek help from the divine.
- If you talk about the Chinese concept of energy healing, then agate jewelry is said to balance the yin and yang.
- Agate jewelry is said to bring good fortune and eliminate the wearer’s bad luck.
- This gemstone is said to induce restful sleep and combat nightmares.
- Lastly, agate is also said to aid in digestion and improve overall metabolism.
Conclusion
Agates are one of the few gemstones that are abundantly present on earth, that too, in many varieties, such as black agate, blue agate, pink agate, purple agate, seafoam agate, etc. Are you a jewelry retailer, looking for a wholesale gemstone jewelry manufacturer and supplier for agate jewelry at wholesale prices? If yes, then browse through the official website of Rananjay Exports and find various varieties of agates, like banded agate, blue lace agate, Botswana agate, crazy lace agate, and many more. Rananjay Exports deals in a variety of 250+ different gemstones, which are natural and genuine. So, shop agate jewelry or any other gemstone jewelry from Rananjay Exports now!
