AGATE
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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 stones with dendritic inclusions of various 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 400 BC. 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. Throughout the ages Agate has had a reputation as a stone of protection, this banded mineral was worn in the breast plates of ancient warriors, as they believed it would give them courage, strength and protect them in battle, also in Italy and Persia Agate 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 a 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. The natural colours of banded Agate are white, grey, red, brown, black and the soft blue of Blue Lace Agate, all beautiful in their own right. There is sadly a huge trend at present to dye Agates vivid colours with organic and inorganic dyes, which creates a toxic waste water problem in the areas of production. So if you are an environmentally concerned person you would do well to avoid these types of Agate.
Dendritic Agate - this group includes Tree Agate, Moss Agate and Merlinite. Although the fern like patterns in 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 stone as it was forming.
System - Hexagonal
Mohs - 6.5 - 7
Spiritual and Meditation
Banded 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.
Dendritic Agate - this type of Agate with it's plant like inclusions reminds us of our roots to the planet and our ancestors that went before us. Meditating with Dendritic Agate is said to help you to reconnect to the natural energies of planet Earth and reminds you to nurture your relationships and networks.
Uses and Placement ideas
Banded Agate - the energy of banded Agate is said to be gently grounding and protecting. They have a very long reputation for symbolising and encouraging endurance, strength and courage. Agate is an ideal stone for offices and studies or any environment or situation where fortitude and strength of spirit are need.
The pretty coloured Blue Agate can be used when you want to bring calm and compassion to your speech or to bring a bit of courage if you are shy and struggle to communicate.
Dendritic Agates - are good to use when 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 and aware of the natural world around you.
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 a 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. The natural colours of banded Agate are white, grey, red, brown, black and the soft blue of Blue Lace Agate, all beautiful in their own right. There is sadly a huge trend at present to dye Agates vivid colours with organic and inorganic dyes, which creates a toxic waste water problem in the areas of production. So if you are an environmentally concerned person you would do well to avoid these types of Agate.
Dendritic Agate - this group includes Tree Agate, Moss Agate and Merlinite. Although the fern like patterns in 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 stone as it was forming.
System - Hexagonal
Mohs - 6.5 - 7
Spiritual and Meditation
Banded 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.
Dendritic Agate - this type of Agate with it's plant like inclusions reminds us of our roots to the planet and our ancestors that went before us. Meditating with Dendritic Agate is said to help you to reconnect to the natural energies of planet Earth and reminds you to nurture your relationships and networks.
Uses and Placement ideas
Banded Agate - the energy of banded Agate is said to be gently grounding and protecting. They have a very long reputation for symbolising and encouraging endurance, strength and courage. Agate is an ideal stone for offices and studies or any environment or situation where fortitude and strength of spirit are need.
The pretty coloured Blue Agate can be used when you want to bring calm and compassion to your speech or to bring a bit of courage if you are shy and struggle to communicate.
Dendritic Agates - are good to use when 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 and aware of the natural world around you.
