Agate is a semi-pellucid crystallized quartz, consisting of banded inclusions of chalcedony. Physical properties of agate are in general those of quartz.
Agate is found in all colors of the rainbow ranging from colorless to yellow, brown, purple, and pink. It also comes in blue and green but these colors are quite rare.
Cryptocrystalline quartz often displays exotic color bands, swirls, and other patterns.
The word Agate comes from the Greek "Agateeq" which means happy. Agate is the Ayurvedic Birthstone for May, the Hebrew Birthstone for May, the Roman Birthstone for May, the Arabic Birthstone for June, the Mystical Birthstone for September.
The sun Sign (Star Sign) for Aquarius, the Zodiac Birthstone for Gemini, the Talismanic Birthstone for Libra, and the Sun Sign (Star Sign) for Capricorn.
Moss Agate is also the anniversary gemstone for the 14th year of marriage.
Historical Agate is more than fossils; it is a cultural landscape that has evolved over millions of years and reflects many faucets; from early mammals which roamed the valleys to the nomadic nations of the plains.
Later tales followed of life in the American West which included tales relating to Agate.
Agate can be traced back to the Stone Age man in France 20,000-16,000 BC. The Egyptians used it prior to 3000 BC. Agate was highly valued by ancient civilizations as it was said to render the wearer invisible.
During the 1880s scientists rediscovered what the Lakota Sioux and others already knew about Agate. With the help of James and Kate Cook, the complex interactions between weather, mammals and the land would be studied by scientific field crews.
Agate has a hardness rating of 7 however, it will still chip and crack rather easily. It is important to protect agate from scratches, sharp blows, sudden temperature changes, household chemicals such as bleach or cleaning products.
Agate is said to have healing properties. Because it is a cooling stone, it reduces fever, quenches thirst, and is beneficial in the stomach area. Agate will also slow the pulse and quiet heart throbs.
It is said to insure good health combined with a long and prosperous life. It is also said that Agate has mystical powers.
Those wearing or carrying Agate will be guarded against danger, will become cautious, will be able to view themselves with clarity and view the world with a broad viewpoint.
Agate is believed to cure insomnia and to insure pleasant dreams.
Agate is a very affordable with the exception of some varieties with unusual banded or scenic markings.
Agate is found all over the world including Brazil, Nepal, Mexico, Africa, Egypt, Germany, India and Asia. It is also found in the USA, and Montana Agate is becoming recognized in the jewelry world.
