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Agates
Facts, Information and Description
Agate is the Mystical birthstone for September. It is also the birthstone for the Zodiac sign of Gemini and the accepted gemstone for the 12th and 14th wedding anniversaries.
A wide variety of agates are found all over the world. A hard stone, usually within the range of 7-9 on the Mohs scale, agates are found in all colors of the rainbow, although green and blue are quite rare. Agate is a variety of chalcedony formed from layers of quartz which usually show varicolored bands. It usually occurs as rounded nodules or veins.
Agates often form tiny quartz crystals within the stone which adds to the beauty and uniqueness of individual stones. These crystals are called drusy (sometimes misspelled as druzy). Lapidaries often cut just the drusy from an agate and jewelers use these drusy cabochons as the main stone or as an accent stone in their jewelry designs.
Agate is a relatively inexpensive stone except for some varieties with unusual banded or scenic markings. In recent years, Montana agate has gained wide acceptance in jewelry and well cut stones with nicely defined patterns often exceed the price of some of the more well known gemstones. Plume agate is another that often brings high dollar.
Agate is found all over the world. Probably the most famous place that agate is mined is Idar-Oberstein in Germany where it has been collected since 1548. Other locations to find agate are Africa, Asia, Nepal, Uruguay, Brazil, United States, Mexico, Madagascar, Italy, Egypt, India, China, and Scotland.
Folklore, Legend and Healing Properties
This is THE stone everyone should have for protection. This group of stones are variegated chalcedony. The agate is one of the oldest stones in recorded history. Agate is believed to discern truth, accept circumstances, and is a powerful emotional healer. Legend says that Agate improves memory and concentration, increases stamina and encourages honesty. Agate aids in remaining calm and focused and is said to be particularly beneficial to people born under the sign of Gemini.
Agate is a protection from bad dreams and is believed to prevent insomnia and insure pleasant dreams. Agates enhance personal courage, protects one against danger, improves perception, concentration and helps to develop and increase one's analytical talents (mystical stone of Virgo).
Agates attract strength. It also protects from stress and energy drains. Agates have been used in jewelry since Biblical Babylonian times. They were used to ward off storms. They were prized gems in antiquity. The agates with banded colors were placed at the head of a sleeper to give rich and varied dreams. Agates have been thought to be good to harden the gums.
Agate is used for stomach upsets. Place the agate on the solar plexus. The agate can't change emotions, but helps to change our level of acceptance of the emotion. Such as when you are very sad the agate will let you know that this will pass and help you get on to another and better day. This is why the Agate is considered so powerful as it gives us the strength to carry on. Carry an agate when you have to make an important decision.
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