How to recognize Agate?

As you know, for a few weeks now, I decided to share with you a little journey of discovery of natural stones.

After introducing you to theEye of tiger, theObsidian, the Turquoiseand the Garnet, I invite you today to discover Agate.

As usual, I will address different points in order to let you know how to recognize this stone of harmony and stability, which strongly connected to the earth, brings balance and good luck to your home.

Through this new article, I therefore give a brief update on its history, its mineralogical characteristics, the different types of agates, its virtues and benefits ...

It is also an opportunity for me to introduce you to some of our pretty handicrafts from Asia.

Good reading !

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Origin and History

This natural stonewhich exists in many colors, has been present in many parts of the world for several hundred years.

As we will see, it was used from High Antiquity (a period marked by the invention of writing, around 3500 BC and until around -600).

Her discovery

It is a philosopher of ancient Greece, Theophrastus, who gave it its name.

At that time, the name was not chosen at random, since it is quite simply a variation very close to the name of the river where one could find Agate in abundance: Akhatês. This river was located in the south of Sicily.

Among the Hebrews

Mesopotamians and Egyptians greatly appreciated theAgate, both for its virtues, but also for the beauty of this stone.

They used it in particular for jewelry creation and decorative items, like vases for example.

Among the Celts

Agate was attached to the Welsh goddess of the death of fertility: Ceridwen.

The main deposits

It is a stone that originates in volcanic regions located in different countries of the world. We can find deposits in many countries such as, for example, Germany, Russia, Australia, India, Morocco, the United States ...

Traveling, it is not very difficult to find different varieties of Agate everywhere. Today the majority of the deposits still exploited are mainly located in the south of Brazil and in Uruguay.

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Mineralogical characteristics

LYS Mala Bracelet in Black Agate and OM Symbol

Agate belongs to the Quartz family.As we have seen previously, it is a stone that forms via volcanic lava, it is therefore mainly made up of Silica.

It can be transparent or translucent and its luster is rather glassy.

On the Mohs scale, its hardness is between 6.5 to 7 and its density varies significantly from 2.58 to 2.64.

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Colors and different types of Agate

It is a stone that counts many color variations.

For the brightest colors, it is often agates having undergone a chemical action, by dipping technique.

You can indeed find natural gray or blue agates, with gradient tones.

But also other varieties that can be found very often. To name just a few:

• Black agate:stone of protection, it helps you to find courage and gives you the strength to take up new challenges.

• Blue agate: it brings a soothing and de-stressing effect to its wearer. It calms tensions.

• Green agate: this acts more on the health of the eyes.

• Red agate: it brings peace and calm, it is also found under the name of Blood Agate.

And many others such as ribbon agate, tree agate, moss agate, Indian agate ...

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Virtues and benefits of Agate in lithotherapy

Agateis a stone that is very often found in the form of decorative objects or jewelry.

She is able to act on several levels: emotionally, spiritually and physically, in order to avoid any energy blockage.

 

 

On an emotional level

• Brings more self-confidence and courage;
• Helps to better manage excess anger;
• Eliminates energy blockages;
• Harmonizes yin and yang;
• Very effective on all types of emotional trauma.

On the spiritual level

• Promotes concentration;
• Help to a better understanding of its environment;
• Improves intuition, clairvoyance;
• Stabilizes the aura, the energy of the physical body.

In terms of health

• Facilitates digestion;
• Calms anxiety and stress;
• Acts against headaches, back pain and cramps and stiffness;
• Strengthens internal organs (lungs, stomach, liver).

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How to clean and recharge my Agate?

Like all minerals, it is a stone that needs to be cleaned and recharged in order to retain all of its properties.

To clean your Agate you can use salted distilled water and then expose it to moonlight, if possible.

To recharge it, all you need to do is place your stone on a Quartz or Amethyst carpet.

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To go a little further ...

Astrological signs

                         

Custom Mala Necklace in Green Agate Stone, Silver and Crystal

According to its color, agate can be traced to different astrological signs. Only the sign of Libra can allow itself to wear all the colors of Agate.

Here is a small overview of the associated signs depending on the color of the stone chosen:

• Green agate: bull and aquarius;
• Red agate: scorpion;
• Yellow agate: lion;
• Blue agate: fish;

In Chinese astrology, green and blue agates are among the 12 love stones that are believed to bring a fulfilling sentimental life to their bearer.

Agate and associated Chakras

Natural Stones 7 Chakras

As with astrology, everything will depend on the color of the stone. It is advisable simply to opt for the color of stone which is related to the color of the Chakra.

For more information on this subject and if you have not yet had the opportunity to do so, I invite you to read this article: What are the 7 Chakras and why balance them?

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This article dedicated to Agate is now complete, hope you enjoyed reading!

Do not hesitate to leave me a little comment to tell me what are the next topics of articles that you would like to discover, it is always a pleasure to answer your requests!

I will meet you next Tuesday for an article, which will deal this time with the Chakras.

Have a good week and see you soon!