Agate Stone - Agate History, Formation, Types & Healing Properties

July 08, 2010- Agate stone is the mystical birthstone for those born in the month of September. Also for those born under Gemini zodiac sign it is the corresponding birthstone. By structure and occurrence, agate is a microcrytsalline of quartz stone. Classically an agate in found in the volcanic rocks and is characterized by the fine grain and bright color. They were used for jewelry making, as marbles for kids to play, for hard stone carving and were popularly used for making agate bowl vessels.

Agate History

Agate stone varieties were obtained by from the Dirillo river in Sicily, which was previously known as Achates River. The name agate for the particular quartz variety was coined by a Greek philosopher Theophrastus. Archaeological recoveries at the Knossos site reveals that the stone was widely used for art and carving utilities during the Bronze age in the Minoan culture.

Formation & Structural Characteristics Of Agate

As mentioned above, agate is a microcrytsalline of quartz stone characterized by the fine grain and bright color. Most of the agate stones occur in the volcanic rocks . Agate stones produced by the disengagement of the molten mass volatiles completely or partially full of siliceous deposits, exhibit banded look. Such stone with lines banded on it is called riband, striped or banded agate.

Some of the agates that have little or no siliceous deposits are hollow agates. Agate stone has a bright color to it and consist of extremely fine grains. It is a strong stain, that has a strong resistance to the daily weathering . The stone occurs in a variety of colors out of which blue and green agate are the rarest varieties. Tiny crystals tend to form on the agate stone, known as drusy. Drusy crystals are perceived as beauty additions to an agate stone and are preferred for crafting agate stone jewelry.

Types Of Agate Stone

Agate stone is available in a rainbow of colors and varieties. Most of the varieties are produced as a result of the different levels of siliceous deposits. Some of the popular types of agate stone are:

• Mexican Agate
• Dendritic or Moss Agate
• Turritella Agate
• Greek Agate
• Brazilian Agate
• Lake Superior Agate
• Banded Agate
• Blue Lace Agate
• Montana Agate
• Plume Agate
• Blue Lacy Agate

These are just a few of the many types and varieties of agate. Have a look at the pictures of some of the popular agate varieties.

Carnelian	Moss Agate	Blue Lace Agate
Plume Agate	Greek Agate	Lake Superior Agate
Fire Agate	Botswana Agate	Banded Agate

Agate Healing Properties & Mystical Powers

Numerous mystical powers and healing properties have been associated with agate stone. A lot of these mystic powers find origin in different cultures and tribes. Different cultures have a different set of thoughts and beliefs. Some of the important characteristics and mystic properties associated with the agate stone jewelry are

• Improved concentration
• Emotional healing
• Increased stamina
• Insomnia healing
• Keeps away danger
• Has a calming effect
• Improves analytical skills
• Brings luck
• Brings good health
• Lessens stress and emotional tension
• Enhances creativity