A is for Agate
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| Blue Lace Agate Sculptured Wire Pendant - Shazzabeth |
No gemstone is more creatively striped by nature than Agate, a form of Chalcedony Quartz that forms in concentric layers in a wide variety of textures and colours. Each individual agate forms by filling a cavity in host rock. As a result, Agate is often found as a round nodule with concentric bands like the rings of a tree trunk.
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| Aqua Agate Slice and Sterling Necklace - BrookeJewelry |
The stone was given its name by Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher and naturalist, who discovered the stone along the shore line of the river Achates sometime between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC.
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| Copper Cuff Bracelet with Orange Agate (sold) - DebrasDivineDesigns |
Agates are a hard stone and can be of any colour, the most frequent colours being grey, white, brown, salmon, red, orange, black and yellow.
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| Dragon Vein Gothic Agate Necklace - BeadsforBlanche |
The colour is caused by various embedded minerals. Some of the many varieties of Agates include; Cyclops Agate, Moss Agate, Turritella Agate, Blue Lace Agate, Greek Agate, Brazilian Agate, Rainbow Agate, Carnelian Agate, Botswana Agate, Fire Agate and Mexican Crazy Lace Agate.
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| Fire Agate Necklace - Olivias Garden |
Often tiny quartz crystals form within the stone and add to the beauty and uniqueness of individual stones. These crystals are called drusy or druzy.
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| Necklace of Oco Agate with Druzy Crystals (sold) BrookeJewelry |
Agate is mined in various countries including Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Namibia, Poland and the USA.
Agate was highly valued as a talisman or amulet in ancient times. It was said to quench thirst and protect against fever.
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| Fire Agate and Amber Steampunk Ring - Keoops8 |
Persian magicians used agate to divert storms.
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| Turitella Agate Coin Bracelet - JemsbyJBandCompany |
Dendritic Agate is believed to aid in communication with nature. It is associated with the protection of the earth, rain, prosperity, abundance, healing, restoration and creativity. It is said to improve self esteem and emotional balance.
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| Dendritic Agate Cabachon - Simply Adorning |
Thank you for reading,
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| Smokey Agate Ring - Shazzabeth Creations |
16 comments :
Agate is definitely a favorite - there are so many varieties! Thanks for posting about such an interesting gemstone ...
Oh, how I love Agate! And what a gorgeous selection and great info too!
I love Agate as it is so inexpensive to use, lovely to look at, has so many textures and colors and it's a nice sturdy stone. LOVE this blog. Great job!
Gorgeous agate pieces.
Agate is a favorite of mine, so much variety! thanks for including my teal agate necklace among all these beauties - and I especially like your pieces : )
Fantastic jewelry! Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful post and beautiful jewelry. Agate is a wonderful stone to work with = )
I love agate! Thank you for the info! Gorgeous pieces as well. Wow, such talent!
OOOH What a nice surprise to see one of my designs too. Agate is an alternative birthstone for June and just love it.
Great post Shaz. Love your choices.
Fabulous agate creations - thanks for this fascinating post!
From reading everyone's comments I see I am not alone in my love for agate. Thanks for writing this great piece, Sharon. And for showcasing such gorgeous examples!
Your work takes my breath away!
What wonderful jewelry! The agate story is fascinating too!
Beautiful jewelry and wonderful info on agates!
I LOVE working with Agate's and Jaspers, my very FAVORITES!!In fact, I've been working on some Blue Lace and Crazy Lace as well as some slabs for a couple of weeks now!! The jewelry you found for this collection is STUNNING!!
The teal agate necklace looks simply stunning! Agate sure is beautiful :D
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