Agate -
Mineral Profile
Agate is defined as Chalcedony that has visible "Banding".
Grades: characterized by its fineness of grain and variety of color - Grade is dependant on the bands, colour, transparency & shape. Agate without any banding is called chalcedony.
Colours: All
Many types: Meican agate, Lace agate - Mexico Brazillian agate - Brazil Greek agate - Sicily Coldwater agate - Lake Michigin Moss Agate - India, Brazil, EU, USA Blue Lace - Africa
Luster: Waxy
Rarity: Common
Country of Origin: Many different varieties from different locations around the world. See above map!
Hardness: 6.5-7 Agate is one of the most common materials used in the art of hardstone carving.
Chemical Composition: Si02 - Silicon dioxide - Agate is identical to chalcedony in terms of composition and physical properties. To identify rough agate, consider its translucence, size, weight and banding, and look for surface marks, irregular fractures and waxiness.
Crystal system: Rhombohedral Microcrystalline
History: Agate is one of the most common materials used in the art of hardstone carving, The stone was given its name by Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher and naturalist, who discovered the stone along the shore line of the river Achates (Ancient Greek: Ἀχάτης) in Sicily
Health Information: Respiratory diseases such as silicosis and higher incidence of tuberculosis among workers involved in the agate industry have been reported from India and China
Intended healing: Symbol for luck
Powerful healer, Grounder and Energiser.
Tones and strengthens the body, imparts a sense of strength and courage,
Helps to discern truth and accept circumstances
"Pink/Violet - crown
Green - heart
turquoise - Throat/thymus
Red - Base
Blue - Third eye
Yellow - Solar plexas
Orange - Naval"
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