Agate: magical properties, what signs and how to wear a stone

Origin of agate

Agate is a very ancient mineral, the first mention of it dates back to the XNUMXrd century BC. Agate products are found in Egyptian tombs and ancient burials in England and the Urals. According to different versions, its name comes from the Achates River in Sicily, or from the Greek "agates", which means "happy" in translation.

Physical and chemical properties of agate

Agate is a jewelry and ornamental stone, a variety of chalcedony, which in turn is a variety of quartz. Chemically, agate is silica (SiO₂). In its raw form, the surface of the mineral is matte, and after polishing it acquires a glassy sheen.

Agate can be partially translucent or completely opaque. It has a layered texture, and the layers can be of different colors, which creates a unique pattern on the surface of the mineral, from concentric patterns to images that look like natural landscapes.

A variety of colors and fantasy ornaments on the cut are due to the gradual layering of chalcedony, as well as the formation of voids, which over time are filled with other minerals, such as rock crystal, hematite and others. Due to its decorative properties and ductility, agate is highly valued among jewelers.

Types of Agate

Depending on the type of pattern on the cut, more than 150 varieties of agate are found in nature. The most common types are:

brazilian agate

Moss or dendritic agate

iridescent agate

Some types of agate have received well-established names, for example, onyx (a stone with many parallel multi-colored stripes), sardonyx (agate with red-brown layers).

Agate deposits

Agate is a fairly common mineral. It is mined from volcanic and sedimentary rocks on almost all continents. Placer deposits are located in South America (the richest in Brazil and Uruguay), Africa, Russia - in the Caucasus and the Urals, as well as in Mongolia and India.

In addition, primary deposits are concentrated in the Crimea.

Magical and healing properties of agate

Agate is believed to bring health, happiness and longevity. Agates of red shades symbolize love and devotion, earlier lovers exchanged such stones if they were to be separated for a long time.

Black agate has always been considered the strongest, it strengthened the spirit, protected from evil. Black stones were often used in magical rituals. Agate is credited with the ability to absorb negative energy, protecting the owner from it, so lithotherapists recommend cleaning the stone from negativity by washing it in running water.

Agate was also used as a remedy. The powdered mineral was used as an antidote for snake and scorpion bites, they were also washed with wounds for speedy healing. To relieve respiratory diseases, the stone is worn in the form of beads and brooches; to normalize cardiac activity, it is customary to wear agate on the left hand, and as a sedative - on the right.

Who will benefit from the stone?

Blue agate is a stone of creative individuals, revealing their talents. Brown agate attracts wealth and promotes career development. Gray agate is the talisman of the servants of the law, it sharpens the sense of justice, contributes to the resolution of conflicts.

The yellow stone patronizes those who are connected with trade. White agate protects children from illness and accidents. Pink stone attracts good luck, good for gamblers.

What signs of the zodiac suits agate

Agate belongs to the elements of the Earth, and therefore is most suitable for Taurus and Virgo. Also, an ornamental stone will benefit Sagittarius and Gemini.

At the same time, Aries and Scorpios are not recommended to wear agate.