Agate is an unusual stone. It has class as well as an earthy quality. There are many varieties of agate. Common types are: blue lace agate, moss agate, tree agate and petrified wood. Usually agate is shaped into cabochons or beads. It is commonly made into pendants, necklaces or earrings. I've seen beautiful blue agate pendants, bolo ties, hair sticks and fire agate bracelets.
What Agates Look Like and Agate Facts
Agate is a variety of chalcedony that comes in most colors. Blue agate is as expected, light blue. Moss agate is dark green, often with clear patches. Tree agate is green and white. Petrified wood is usually brown, white or red.
Agate can crack and chip rather easily even though its hardness rating is 7.
Petrified wood is fossilized wood that has had its organic matter replaced by agate.
Since agate is porous, it is usually dyed to enhance its natural color. Sometimes one can tell if a stone is dyed by looking at the cracks. If the cracks are darker, then dye was most likely used. Of course, this isn't a guarentee. Often treated agate is sold as Black Onyx.
Petrified wood is fossilized wood that has had its organic matter replaced by agate.
Since agate is porous, it is usually dyed to enhance its natural color. Sometimes one can tell if a stone is dyed by looking at the cracks. If the cracks are darker, then dye was most likely used. Of course, this isn't a guarentee. Often treated agate is sold as Black Onyx.
Agate is found in Brazil, Eygpt, Germany, India, Italy, Madagascar, Mexico and the USA (Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah. Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming).
Agate Themed Books
Actual Gem-related books:
- The Lake Superior Agate - by Scott F. Wolter Back Ordered. Nice book on Lake Superior Agate.
- Gem Identification Made Easy: A Hands-On Guide to More Confident Buying & Selling New 3rd Edition - by Antoinette L. Matlins & Antonio C. Bonanno This book is really great for knowing he latest gems, synthetics, treatments, and instruments. Easy to use.
- Gemstone Buying Guide: A Guide to Buying - by Renee Newman Very nice gemstone identification book.
- Gemstones of the World - by Walter Schumann A very well written source on gemstones with great descriptions and photographs
Bibliography: - The Curious Lore of Precious Stones - by George Frederick Kunz The definitive book on fascinating, traditional gem lore. Very practical.
- Gemstones (Smithsonian Handbooks) - by Cally Hall, Harry Taylor (Photographer) A field guide to gemstones. Nice pictures and good, brief, well-written descriptions of over 130 varieties of gemstones.
- Spiritual Value of Gem Stones - by Wally Richardson and Lenora Huett Very sweet book on the mystical properties of gemstones.
- May Birthstone: Ayurvedic Birthstone
- September Birthstone: Mystical Birthstone
- Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19): Birthstone
- Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18): Birthstone [Moss Agate]
- Gemini (May 21-Jun 20): Birthstone, Lucky Charm
- Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22): Lucky Charm
Agate Mystical Properties
- Moss Agate is said to help one get in touch with nature -- an ideal stone for gardeners.
- Tree Agate is said to help with introspection. It helps one view themselves with more clarity and see the world through a broader viewpoint.
More Agate Lore
Legend has it that agate guarded the wearer from all dangers and endowed the wearer with a bold heart. It was used on armor to help warriors be victorious in battle.
Wearing Agate was believed to cure insomnia and thought to insure pleasant dreams. As a result, it was given to children to protect against bad dreams and nightmares.
- Fortification Agate with red, black and yellow banding is the US State Gemstone of Kentucky.
- Agate is the US State Gemstone of Loisiana.
- Lake Superior Agate is the US State Gemstone of Minnesota.
- Blue Agate is the US State Gemstone of Nebraska.
- Fairburn Agate is the US State Gemstone of South Dakota.
- Petrified Wood is the US State Gemstone of Washington (and Canadian State Gemstone of Alberta, Canada).
- Fire Agate is the US State Mineral of Arizona
- Agate is the US State Gemstone of Montana.
State Stone: - Prairie Agate is the US State Stone of Nebraska.
- Agate is the US State Stone of Tennessee.
- Petrified Wood is the US State Rock/Stone of Arizona & Mississippi
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