What is Agate?
Agate is one of the world's most versatile natural crystals! As a variety of Chalcedony, Agate is known for its wide range of patterns and banding. Some Agate stones derive their patterns from mineral inclusions trapped within,such as the Hornblende and Chlorite inclusions that cause Moss Agate's dreamy green hues. However, banded Agates owe their streaks to periodic changes in translucency and color caused by co-precipitated minerals as well as weathering. Agate crystals may also feature layers of Quartzine, which can cause incredibly striking effects similar to those found in Iris Agate. Since Agate stones can be found in such a vast number of shades and patterns, varieties are given common names to help with differentiation. Some popular Agate crystals include: Bamboo Leaf Agate, Banded Agate, Black Agate, Blue Lace Agate, Botswana Agate, Cheetah Agate, Cherry Blossom Agate, Crazy Lace Agate, Dendritic Agate, Enhydro Agate, Eye Agate, Feather Agate, Fire Agate, Flower Agate, Graveyard Point Agate, Laguna Agate, Medicine Bow Agate, Moss Agate, Oco Agate, Plume Agate, Snakeskin Agate, Tree Agate, Turitella Agate, Turkish Agate, and White Agate. While this list may seem quite long, it's only a drop in the bucket compared to the true number of Agate stone varieties in the world. Some are named for their patterning, while others are named for the location where they are most prevalent, but all are little works of art!
Meaning and Metaphysical Properties of Agate
The spiritual uses and meanings of Agate can be as varied as its appearance, with specific types of Agate being associated with different Chakras, elements, and magical purposes. For example, Moss Agate is considered to be an earth element stone and is traditionally used for spiritual healing, growth, and abundance. However, Crazy Lace Agate is associated with the Solar Plexus Chakra, happiness, and dancing to the beat of one's own drum. Banded Agates are known as a protection stone, especially for travelers. Blue Lace Agate is a stone of mental clarity, honesty, and wisdom.
Since each form of Agate is known for its own traditional healing properties, we're often asked: What about Common Agate? Common Agates feature natural earthy shades of cream, tan, brown, orange, yellow, grey, black, or red, but do not display a distinctive pattern and may not exhibit notable banding unless a strong light is placed behind them. These Agate stones, gorgeous in their own right, are typically associated with the Root Chakra or Sacral Chakra and are used as focal stones by those seeking to embody confidence, strength, motivation, and creativity. Agate crystals are often polished into palm stones for use during meditation or sliced into lapidary stones that can be used to make gemstone jewelry.