Many-faced agate: its magical properties, varieties, meanings and photos

Meaning and description of the crystal

Agate is a semi-precious stone. It belongs to the varieties of chalcedony. It is also included in the quartz group.

The mineral often has a layered texture. Sometimes each layer has its own shade. Thanks to this, colored specimens with interesting designs are often found. There are also stones with a monochrome structure.

Not only multi-colored layers determine the ornamentation of crystals. They contain voids in which various minerals (hematite, crystal, etc.) and organic remains (shells of ancient mollusks, wood) accumulate.

Agate is a common crystal. That is why, despite its beauty, it has a relatively low price.

What does the stone look like?

Untreated agate is unremarkable from the outside. It resembles an ordinary pebble. It is possible to appreciate the beauty of a stone only at its fracture.

It is extremely rare to find completely monochromatic minerals. Basically, crystals have designs reminiscent of a mountain or desert landscape, flowers and moss, silhouettes of animals, birds and even people. The color of individual specimens is so reminiscent of an artist’s painting that it is difficult to believe that this miracle is not made by human hands.

The color of the stone depends on the admixture of substances contained in the crystal. For example, shades of brown and yellow are provided by iron, while green stones contain chloride inclusions.

Varieties

Agate is considered the mineral that has the greatest number of varieties. It is divided into subspecies depending on the color, patterns and inclusions contained in it.

Agate varieties:

• Dendritic. This variety includes wood and moss agate. The pattern of such stones resembles moss, tree branches and other vegetation, as if frozen inside the rock. The patterns have nothing to do with real plants; they are created by inclusions of hydrochloric acid. The name “moss” was given to the mineral in honor of the Moho province in which it was discovered.

• Tibetan agate. A stone covered with white and black stripes.

• Tortoiseshell. The pattern on the stone resembles a turtle shell. It is grey-brown in color with cone-shaped and round beige, black, marsh and brown flecks. It is believed that this pattern is provided by ancient shell rock more than 500 million years old.

• Peach. Rare variety. The stone consists of layers of different shades of pink and lilac. Moreover, one rock combines both transparent and opaque areas.

• Crackle, moire agates, dragon veins are covered with many iridescent “cracks”. The craquelure effect is provided by layers of chalcedony, the number of which can reach 600.

• Brown and yellow. They have a uniform color with thin veins of lighter and more transparent mineral. This also includes coffee chalcedony. Such stones are brown with darker and milky stains.

• Emerald. It is also called chrysoprase and green agate. This is the most common variety. Its color varies from dark emerald to light lime. This diversity is explained by the content of chromium and vanadium in the composition.

• Pearl. The mineral is white with pearl tints. When processed, it resembles real large pearls. Products made from such stones were found in the burials of ancient Sumerians.

• Lace. Differs in layering. The pattern resembles handmade lace. Most often found in blue shades.

• Timansky, named after the deposit (Timansky Ridge). It is distinguished by its large size and variety of shapes. The pattern on the cut resembles the northern lights and glaciers. A characteristic combination of blue, gray and white shades.

• African or tinted. Agates that have undergone heat treatment with a sharp change in temperature from very high to low. After this procedure, they become covered with colored cracks. The stones have the romantic name “dragon veins”.

• Rainbow. This variety is also called iridescent agate, scambia, or iris. The stones have bright rainbow tints. They are formed due to a huge number of thin layers of chalcedony. To imagine the shine of a mineral, just remember how a compact disc shimmers in the sun.

• Frosty. White, light gray or light blue translucent stones. The pattern is reminiscent of winter patterns on windows.

• Orange or fiery. The crystals are transparent, bright orange. Inside there are hematite shards that create darker highlights. Because of this, it appears as if there is a fire burning inside the rock.

• Landscape or landscape. A beautiful variety whose pattern resembles mountains, beaches at sunset, deserts with sandy hills, a forest lake, etc.

• Black. This stone is considered the most powerful from an energetic point of view. Opaque minerals become shiny when processed. Multi-colored agates in which dark inclusions predominate are also called black.

• Striped. Striped agate is quite common. Such gems have different shades, and their stripes are geometric. Transparent and opaque layers are often combined.

• Violet. Stone of lilac, lilac and violet shades. Often the section combines colored and white translucent areas.

• Star-shaped. The pattern of such a stone resembles a 3-, 6-pointed star.

• Glazkovy. The pattern on the gems resembles eyes. In ancient times, they were often inserted into the eye sockets of sculptures of various deities.

• Carnelian. A combination of dark red and light red translucent stripes is characteristic. In the sun, the gem becomes garnet-colored.

• Smoky. Matte white agate with brown, gray and blue streaks.

• Bastion. The pattern resembles the outlines of towers and fortresses, as well as the ruins of ancient buildings.

• Apricot agate. Stones with soft orange and milky white stripes.

Agates are also divided into groups based on their deposit. The most valuable are Ural, Brazilian, Indian, Timan gems, as well as Botswana agate.

There are also gems with other patterns. For example, a rare specimen is an agate with a zebra pattern. It is possible to consider all the beauty of the mineral only in a cut.

How to determine authenticity

Although agate is a semi-precious stone, and its cost is relatively low, you can often encounter its fake. This state of affairs is explained by a combination of attractive appearance and high demand. The agate counterfeits currently being created are produced artificially, using chemicals, and therefore can even cause harm to health.

To avoid purchasing a fake, you should pay attention to the following points:

History and origin of the crystal

Agate is a volcanic rock that includes various mineral and organic remains. It is found wherever there are or once were volcanoes.

There are two theories regarding how the gem got its name. According to one of them, it was named after the Achates River, near which it was first discovered. Some scientists believe that the mineral received its name from the Greek “agathos,” which translates as “kind” and “happy.”

One of the names of the mineral is the eye of God. According to legend, the tears of Pluto became the gem.

There is also a legend according to which the stone is the eye of a light eagle. The bird died in a fight with evil spirits and, petrified, fell from heaven to earth. Now agate lies in the ground and protects humanity from the forces of evil.

Where is the stone mined and how is it processed?

Agate is a common gemstone. There are many places to get it. There are several deposits in Russia:

• Magadan;
• Chukotka;
• Crimea;
• Priochye;
• Ural.

Rich deposits are also found in other countries:

• Armenia;
• Tajikistan:
• Georgia;
• Ukraine;
• Uruguay;
• Germany;
• Mongolia;
• India;
• Brazil;
• Hungary (Hungarian agate);
• Africa.

The found agates are carefully studied and then cut into pieces. After this, they are given the desired shape, ground and polished with diamond.

Agate is easy to work with. When processing it, jewelers use all known types of cutting; the most unusual specimens are given fantasy shapes.

How to distinguish a stone from a fake

Natural agate is an inexpensive mineral. Nevertheless, there are 3 artificial analogues of this gem:

1. Grown. The stones are grown in laboratory conditions. Such samples have an even lower price.
2. Ennobled. The basis is taken from minerals that are processed by jewelers. They are painted, patterns are cut out on them, treated with low and high temperatures, and dipped in various chemicals. This gives gems a brighter and more interesting appearance. Such minerals cannot be called fake.
3. Glass and plastic. The cheapest analogues.

In the first two cases, the crystals retain their properties, and it will be difficult for the average person to distinguish them from natural agate. Anyone can identify synthetic analogs if they know a few rules:

1. The color is too bright and saturated. Such specimens are rarely found in nature. This is considered a sign of counterfeit.
2. Natural stone does not heat up quickly. It will remain cool when placed on your cheek for a few minutes.
3. Stones are heavier than plastic and glass. Jewelry with large gems cannot be weightless.
4. If you run a needle over natural stone, there will be no scratches on it.
5. If you run a natural crystal across the glass, a mark will remain on the surface.

Before purchasing a gem, be sure to ask the seller to present a certificate. If it is not there, then the jewelry is not worth purchasing.

How to wear agates correctly

Any agate needs “rest” and cleansing of absorbed energies. A stone that has been through an unpleasant experience should be placed in a cool, dark place for several days. During this time, all the negativity accumulated by the mineral will disappear.

Agates of “cheerful” colors, which gave you a good mood for several weeks, also require temporary rest. An excess of positive energies can make the stone somewhat “fussy”: the feelings inspired by an agate oversaturated with power are changeable; the owner's intentions are not always consistent.

For gems overflowing with energy, it is enough to spend a night on the windowsill to restore a comfortable moderation in their impact on a person.

Agate

If you wear an agate bracelet over clothing, touch the jewelry with your hand from time to time. Direct bodily contact helps the interaction between a person and a stone.

Properties and applications of crystal

Agate is an ornamental stone. It is used to make jewelry. Large specimens are used for larger crafts (figurines, vases, bowls). This mineral is also used as a material for equipment in chemical laboratories.

Agate was appreciated as a material for tableware by ancient alchemists. They made mortars from the gem.

Unprocessed large crystals are often sent to private collections. There are exhibitions of gems even in famous museums.

The stone has found its use in magic and folk medicine. It was used by ancient magicians, sorcerers and healers.

Physicochemical characteristics

Agate is quartz (silicate). Its formula is SiO2.

On the Mohs scale, the hardness of the gem is 7. It is easy to process, but difficult to damage.

The stone is not afraid of acidic environments. It does not fade when interacting with detergents and chemicals.

The structure of the mineral is layered. Moreover, the layers often have different shades. They are provided by impurities of iron, chloride, hematite, etc.

Untreated specimens are matte, but after sanding they acquire a glassy sheen. There are opaque, transparent and translucent gems.

Medicinal properties

Since ancient times, beneficial properties have been attributed to agate. It is still used for treatment by adherents of traditional medicine.

Useful properties of the gem:

• general strengthening of the immune system;
• acceleration of tissue regeneration;
• improved kidney function;
• elimination of insomnia;
• healing of lung diseases;
• sharpening of vision;
• increased mood;
• sedative effect;
• analgesic effect;
• cure arthritis and rheumatism.

In ancient times, it was customary to wear agates, on which stone carvers symbolically depicted illness. It was believed that this would help cope with the problem.

Magic properties

Agate has strong energy. Since ancient times, its properties have been used by magicians in their rituals, and ordinary people wore it as amulets.

It is believed that a pendant with a gem can protect the owner from the evil eye, magical effects and simply troubles. Moreover, in this regard, black and white specimens have the strongest effect.

The stone has the ability to direct thoughts in the right direction, protecting against everything far-fetched, false fantasies and fears. It helps fight bad habits and desires that can cause harm.

Agate is also considered a symbol of fidelity, which lovers present to each other before a long separation. This stone will protect you from betrayal and will not allow your feelings to subside.

The fourteenth anniversary of family life is called an agate wedding. For this holiday, you need to give each other jewelry with this gem (pendants, rings).

Not only jewelry can become an amulet. These can be beads or figurines. They will give men masculinity, and women – courage and determination.

Agate combines with absolutely all metals.

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Which color to choose

Among the abundance of varieties of agates, it is difficult to choose just one gem. When deciding on the color of a mineral, it is worth taking into account the appearance of the future owner (eye color, hair color), the stone should contrast with it. This also applies to the clothes with which the jewelry will be worn.

It is believed that agates of different shades have different mystical properties. If it is assumed that the stone will be worn not only as decoration, but also as an amulet, then when choosing a color this must be taken into account:

1. White. Such stones prolong life and promote the development of hidden talents and intelligence. Such decorations are suitable for children.
2. Brown and red. They will not allow you to take unnecessary risks and make the wrong decision. Suitable for dreamers who often take on unpromising projects.
3. Blue. It will be needed by people speaking in public and individuals who are unsure of themselves. It will help you express your thoughts correctly and increase self-esteem.
4. Yellow. Awakens the gift of persuasion and gives the ability to please others.
5. Black. Needed by psychics and magicians. Helps awaken any magical abilities and establish contact with otherworldly forces. Increases intuition.
6. Green. Attracts fortune. Will be needed by people who often take risks.
7. Pink. Helps you forget about old grievances, open up to new relationships, and find harmony.
8. Violet. Helps in meditation, awakens intuition, attracts prophetic dreams.
9. Blue. Stone of romantics. Will help you find advantages in any situation.
10. Grey. Will be needed by careerists and businessmen.

Who is the stone suitable for according to their zodiac sign?

Agate is considered the element of earth. According to the horoscope, agate is best suited to earth signs. For such people, its positive properties will be most pronounced.

The stone is also suitable for other elements. Only Aries and Scorpios need to be careful with agate. It is difficult for a stone to cope with their hot-tempered nature, even with such strong energy.

As for the name, the gem has no restrictions. The main thing is that it matches the owner’s horoscope.

Compatibility with other stones

In order for the magical properties of a gem to bring only benefit to the owner, it must be correctly combined with other stones. Agate can be worn with earth, air and water crystals:

• jasper;
• opal;
• aventurine;
• emerald;
• malachite;
• peridot;
• morion;
• amethyst;
• crystal;
• smoky quartz;
• blue chalcedony;
• sapphire.

The gem does not combine with fire crystals: diamond, ruby, coral, pyrope.

Magical properties of agates

Any agate - even the most inconspicuous or, on the contrary, painted by Chinese artisans in the colors of unearthly rainbows - brings goodness to the owner. This is an axiom! Any attempts to use agate in evil rituals of black magic are doomed to failure. Agate protects a person and is not capable of harming anyone.

Women's Feldberg bracelet

Mineral: agate

Price: 6,000 rub.

More about the bracelet

A bracelet with agates of bright, rich, joyful tones helps communicate with unfamiliar people. By creating a positive attitude in the company, colored agates have an equally strong impact on both their owner and her interlocutors.

However, if you decide to educate the careless and scold the lazy, it is better to remove the bracelet with agates of frivolous colors. The glorious mineral protects not only you, but also from you... Reproaches pronounced under the sparkle of agate colors are perceived as a joke.

Dark gray, dark brown, black agates have the greatest spiritual power. A bracelet with stones of dark shades sharpens intuition, increases sensitivity, and signals danger.

Women's Magic Bracelet

Mineral: agate, garnet

Price: 8,200 rub.

More about the bracelet

The pitfalls hiding in the depths of any undertaking are noticeable to few - including black agate adherents.

Women's Chogori bracelet

Mineral: black agate

Price: 6,200 rub.

More about the bracelet

Dark agates form a strong emotional reaction directly in the human mind. The feeling that arises is never unexpected and always confirms suspicions rather than surprises with a discovery.

Men's Vorozhey bracelet

Mineral: hairy quartz, black agate

Price: 10,300 rub.

More about the bracelet

Black agate

Light translucent agates have the ability to “get along” with a person. Positive emotional contact with air-colored gems occurs instantly. A few hours of direct tactile interaction with the stone is enough - and a bracelet with light agates turns into a good friend; a taciturn but unmistakable adviser; the inspirer of fun entertainment and fleeting hobbies.

Bracelet On the coast

Mineral: agate

Price: 3,000 rub.

More about the bracelet

Cross section of white agate. Origin: Brazil.

Agate intertwined with gray transparent quartz. Origin: Aguin, Atlas Mountains, Morocco.

White agate slice

Green agates harmonize moods and stimulate personal growth processes. Have you decided to engage in self-development? Wear green agates! Are you stressed? Admire the green agates! Do you want a non-binding relationship to develop into a great and bright feeling? Wear a bracelet with green agates!

Women's Vuoksa bracelet

Mineral: agate, quartz

Price: 3,800 rub.

More about the bracelet

Green agate

Green agate

Stone in culture

Agate made a significant contribution to the formation of culture. In ancient times, it was considered a precious stone that adorned the palaces of kings and emperors. Ancient stone-cutters created intaglios with an in-depth pattern from gemstones. Such products were used as personalized seals.

Furniture, paintings and walls were decorated with stone. Vases, lamps and other interior items were made from it.

Alexander the Great, Catherine II and the Duke of Orleans were fans of the gem. Collections of stones are in the Hermitage. He worked with agate and Faberge. The master made various jewelry and household items from it.

Crystal in fiction

Mentions of agate are found in literature all over the world. Pushkin, Lermontov and Tsvetaeva wrote about him.

It is interesting that in works of art agate is attributed precisely the color black. Agate is often referred to as dark hair and eyes.

Tibetan Dzi beads and stone

In Tibet, Dzi beads are made from agate. This is a matte gem processed in a special way, on which runes are artificially applied.

Such jewelry is considered the strongest amulet. They are associated with shamanism and are credited with strong mystical properties.

Watch a video about Dzi beads:

Stone jewelry and wearing rules

Jewelry is also made from agate. The gem is framed in gold, silver, cupronickel, brass and copper.

Agate is also used to make beads, bracelets and earrings without metal frames. Rarely is the stone combined with platinum.

Agate jewelry is worn both on special occasions and on an ongoing basis.

It is not recommended to wear such jewelry on the beach, as in this case the gem may fade.

Please watch an informative video about stone and jewelry:

Caring for agate and products

Agate is cared for in the same way as any other gem. Here are the basic rules:

1. Products with agate are stored in a separate box or together with other jewelry in an individual bag.
2. If the stone has lost its shine, wash it with warm water and soap. After this, polish with a soft cloth.
3. To prevent the stone from tarnishing, do not leave it in the sun for a long time.

Which zodiac sign is agate suitable for?

It is believed that white agate is suitable for the zodiac sign Taurus, but everyone is allowed to wear the magical gem. Other types of mineral are more demanding on the horoscope. To get the maximum benefit from the properties of the talisman, it is recommended to wear the stone in accordance with:

Due to their character traits, Aries and Sagittarius are advised to avoid chalcedony jewelry. The stone has a negative effect on these signs, causing excessive excitement and aggressiveness. It will cause impulsive actions and make wrong decisions. But for other zodiac representatives, agate is a powerful amulet with healing and magical properties.