All About Agate
What is Agate?
Simply put, agate is a general term used to describe translucent, chalcedony-based minerals.
But then, what is chalcedony? Chalcedony refers to microcrystalline silica, a chemical compound found in concrete, glass, sand, and other common minerals. In the crystal community, silica-based minerals are broken down into two major categories: agate and jasper. Jaspers are very similar to agates in chemical composition, however, the exact opposite in appearance. Jasper is more opaque.
The History of Agate
Originally, scholars believed this mineral was originally found in Sicily, Italy, sometime during the 3rd-century, BCE. However, this information has been heavily disputed, with many believing it was merely named and classified during this time, not discovered.
What we know now is that agate was highly prized by primitive peoples. Archaeology shows that during the Stone Age (20,000, BCE), artisans made protective amulets out agate. During the Bronze Age, people within the Indus Valley, located in South Asia, polished it into beads.
Although the Greeks may have greatly valued the gemstone and gave it a proper classification, the value and metaphysical use of agate has existed for far longer, and has a place in a wide variety of cultures across the globe.
Metaphysical Properties
Agate is a grounding and stabilizing stone. Helps to create emotional, physical, and spiritual balance. Also, can help bring to light hidden circumstances, which may be interfering with your well-being. Improves concentration, perception, analytical abilities, and speaking in truth. For those experiencing negative emotions, it can help foster love and heal trauma. In the spiritual realm, this stone raises consciousness and facilitates growth and stability.
When working with agate, you may not experience strong, immediate effects. Instead, you may find that the effects build gradually over time. For those who are sensitive to energy and easily overwhelmed, this stone can be a gentle tool to use!
Common Varieties
Like Jasper, this stone classification has many different varieties! The following are some of the most common, as well as some of the rare and unique pieces we have here at Goddess Elite!
Money Agate
With all of the calming energies of agate, this variety has an added financial benefit. Helps to manifest abundance, especially in business and financial ventures. Creates a feeling of enrichment and empowerment, which can help you reach your goals and make money through hard work and well-thought out decisions.
Blue Lace Agate
Blue Lace is an excellent emotional healing stone, with strong metaphysical properties. Its energy corresponds to the throat chakra and brings a lovely sense of tranquility, as it alleviates anger and nervous tension. It is a soothing and nurturing stone that will bring you calmness and peace of mind.
Crazy Lace Agate
Crazy Lace helps one stay in the present moment, no matter how busy they may be. Enjoy the precious times, not putting all your focus towards things that stress you out! This crystal’s energies are strong and energizing, yet soothing. It vibrates at a lower frequency than other gemstones, providing a feeling of deep peace and grounding.
Moss Agate
Good for emotional balance. If you struggle with intense emotions, especially aggression, moss can help balance the polar energies of your personality. Considered a stone for midwives and helps to lessen pain during childbirth. Creates a perfect atmosphere for abundance. Improves self-esteem and communication. Can help reduce sensitivity to weather changes.
This variety is often paired with tiger’s eye, citrine, pyrite, and green aventurine. Promotes financial prowess and abundance, so pairing it with other money related crystals can help you manifest more cash-flow!
Flower Agate
Tiny chalcedony inclusions create a flower-like pattern in this beautiful pastel gemstone! It is a crystal that connects the heart and root chakras, so great for inner healing and deep meditation. Helps us to embrace our more sensitive side and come to terms with past traumas, which in doing so, removes negative physical and emotional side effects. Bask in affectionate, soothing energy with this gorgeous stone, filled with pink and cream hues.
Grape Agate
A stone of tranquility, with gentle and nurturing energy. Promotes self-confidence and maturity. Activates the third-eye chakra, so great for improving intuition and psychic abilities. Grape promotes mental clarity, which can amplify dreams. This stone is great for healers and practitioners, and overall helps people live at a higher frequency in daily life.
Grape is a type of purple chalcedony, which grows in a bubble-like pattern. Common colorations vary from lilac to dark purple, with rarer pieces including shades of green or combinations of green and purple together. This mineral is quite rare, as it is only found in Indonesia.
