AGATE

There is a vast range of stones that come under the heading of Agate. Scientifically it is the banded stones that are considered true Agates, however other stones with dendritic inclusions of other minerals, such as Tree Agate have found their way into this group. Agate gets it's name from the Achates River in Sicily, Italy (now known as the Dirillo River), where a Greek philosopher and naturalist by the name of Thoephrastus found it on the shore line around 400BC.  But this stone's history traces back much further than it's present name and has been found in archaeological digs that date back to the bronze age. Through history it has had a reputation as a stone of protection, Brazilian Agate was worn in the breast plates of ancient warriors, as they believed it would give them courage and protect them in war. Also in Italy and Persia it has a reputation for protecting against the evil eye. Due to their formation each Agate stone is a unique piece of Mother Nature's art work. 

Geology
Agate is generally formed when deposits of silica rich matter fill volcanic cavities, although it can be found in other rock formations too. Agate's appearance is dictated by the locality in which is was formed and what type of minerals are found there. Agate is variety of Chalcedony which is a member of the Quartz family.

Banded Agate -  Is formed by silica rich water that has penetrated volcanic rock cavities, laying down layers of mineral salts often in concentric patterns, these minerals harden over time forming the banding. Sometimes the liquid doesn't entirely fill the cavity and leaves a hollow void in which crystalline Quartz forms into a sparkly inner core of druzy.

Dendritic Agate - This group includes Tree Agate, Moss Agate and Merlinite. Although the fern like patterns is Dendritic Agates look organic as if some ancient plant material has become trapped within the Chalcedony, the formations are actually made from traces of iron and manganese that have seeped from nearby rocks into any fine fractures within the Agate as it is forming.
System - Hexagonal 
Mohs - 6.5 - 7

​Spiritual and Meditation
Agate reminds us that we gain strength through adversity and having our 'metal tested'. The banding in the crystal formed as unexpected water deposited minerals on the crystal formation, but the crystal just took the unexpected and adapted by making a band and then carried on growing. Experience, even the tough stuff is what strengthens us, as we learn to adapt and bend instead of break.
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​Placement
The energy of Agate is said to be gently grounding and protecting. They have a reputation throughout the ages for symbolising and encouraging endurance, strength and courage. Agate is an ideal stone for offices and studies or any environment where fortitude and strength of spirit are need. 

Metaphysical
Elements - Dependant on the Agate type, e.g., Dendritic /Earth, Blue Lace/Water, Fire Agate/Fire
Planets - Primarily Mercury
Zodiacs - Primarily Virgo
Energy flow - Dependant on colour of stone with cooler colours being receptive and the brighter agates being projective.
Agates are good to use in any work where you want to draw in supportive ancestral energy to give you strength and courage. The green Dendritic Agates have a reputation for helping plants and also for making you more green fingered. The soft Blue Agate can be used when you want to bring calm and compassion to your communications.

Sourced from
Brazil

​Placement
The energy of Agate is said to be gently grounding and protecting. They have a reputation throughout the ages for symbolising and encouraging endurance, strength and courage. Agate is an ideal stone for offices and studies or any environment where fortitude and strength of spirit are need. 

Metaphysical
Elements - Dependant on the Agate type, e.g., Dendritic /Earth, Blue Lace/Water, Fire Agate/Fire
Planets - Primarily Mercury
Zodiacs - Primarily Virgo
Energy flow - Dependant on colour of stone with cooler colours being receptive and the brighter agates being projective.
Agates are good to use in any work where you want to draw in supportive ancestral energy to give you strength and courage. The green Dendritic Agates have a reputation for helping plants and also for making you more green fingered. The soft Blue Agate can be used when you want to bring calm and compassion to your communications.

Sourced from Brazil