Carved agate plate from
Idar-Oberstein, Germany
Color:
All colors are possible, whether
naturally occurring or as the result of dying.
Durability:
Excellent. Agates are extremely tenacious.
Localities:
Found all over the world, abundantly.
Varieties:
Abakusz-kö
Agate-Jasper
Blue Lace Agate
Botswana Agate
Brecciated Agate
Cloud Agate
Crazy Lace Agate
Enhydro Agate
Eye Agate
Fire Agate
Fortification Agate
Fossil Agate
Haema-ovoid-agates
Iris Agate
Laguna Agate
Lake Superior Agate
Mexican Lace Agate
Nipomo Agate
Onyx
Pigeon Blood Agate
Plume Agate
Riband Agate
Sardonyx
Vogelaugenachat |
Agate
SiO2
Agate is
a variety of banded microcrystalline quartz, or chalcedony.
There are countless varieties of agate usually named after their physical characteristics or location
of origin. The layers of agate form as layers of chalcedony
line a cavity (or vug) in a host rock.
Since the twelfth century agate has been attributed with
the power of improving one's disposition as well as their
eyesight. These beliefs still carry on today. My favorite
claims for agate were stated in The Book of Saxon Leechdoms written in 1864. Here, it was written, that agate prevents
harm from thunder, sorcery, demonic possession, poison and
drunkenness!
Following is an example of banded agate from Brazil:
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