Agate

The name Agate is derived from the River Achates in Sicily, which is now called the Dirillo River. Agate is a variety of chalcedony, which belongs to the Quartz mineral group. Other well-known gemstones in the Quartz family include, Amethyst, Rock Crystal, Smoky Quartz, Rose Quartz, Citrine, Carnelian and Bloodstone. Agate is a banded, concentric layered chalcedony. These bands can be multicoloured or they can consist of the same colour throughout. For example, the German mines typically produced a pink, red or brownish colour separated by light grey bands. Rarer natural colours such as shades of blue, black and green have historically been found in Madagascar. These natural colours are created by the presents of mineral impurities during the gemstone`s formation, most commonly iron and manganese oxides, chromium and chlorite.

Formation: Agate is formed within hollows in the host rock. These hollows are created in the host rock by gas bubbles during its formation. Resulting in Agate forming in sphere-shaped nodules. The bands in Agate is then formed by rhythmic crystallization of silicon dioxide.
Iron oxide is the main colouring agent in most Agates and as such is considered quite stable in sunlight. However, Agates which have been dyed are most prone to fading when exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods of time. So it is generally recommended to store this gemstone in a soft cotton pouch to protect against scratches as well as sunlight. On the Moh`s scale of hardness, it has a rating of 6.5 – 7. Which makes it suitable for everyday use.

Treatment: Some layers of Agate are porous, which are called “soft”. These layers can absorb dye, while the “hard” white layers consisting of dense Quartz will not absorb the dye. This unique feature allows this gemstone to be dyed almost any colour without affecting the unique concentric bands. The process involves the gemstone being placed in a solution of iron nitrate and heating it to a high temperature. Nickel nitrate, cobalt nitrate and hydrochloric acid along with other compounds are used to create various different colours. The exact dying process is a closely guarded commercial secret. Since 2007, it is a requirement for all Agate to be marked as “treated” or “Dyed” if the stone has undergone any form of treatment.

Dendritic Agate: The name Dendritic comes from the Greek word “dendrites” meaning “tree-like”. Dendritic Agate is also called Mocha Stone because Indian gemstones used to come via the Arabian harbor of Mocha. Dendritic is either a colourless or whitish translucent chalcedony with tree-like or fern-like inclusions. These inclusions are created by iron or maganese during the crystallization of the gemstone.
On occasion, these inclusions of tree-like shapes can arrange to appear like a landscape. This formation is known as Scenic Agate.
Moss Agate: Also called the “Gardeners Stone” is formed in colourless, translucent chalcedony which contains inclusions of green hornblende. The finest specimens of Moss Agate come from India.

History

The Greek philosopher Theophrastus discovered Agate in 350 BC along the banks of the River Achates ( now called the River Dirillo ) in southern Sicily. It is from this river the gemstone gets its name. Agate was collected from this river right up until the 19th century.
One of the most important discoveries of Agate was found by the Romans along the banks of the River Nahe in Germany during the Gallic Wars ( 58 to 50BC ). The Romans mined and cut Agate around the area of Idar-Oberstein/Rhineland-Platinate. Large nodules were found in this area, some measuring as much as 9 inch in diameter. The industry prospered in Idar-Oberstein for centuries, due to the abundant availability of Agate, local sandstone which was ideal for cutting and polishing and the availability of suitable streams to power waterwheels in mills. During this time a vast amount of beads, brooches, pendants and rings were produced. Along with objets d`art such as decorative eggs, paper weights, knife handles, seals and much more. Around the early 19th century, the local deposits were nearly exhausted which threatened the industry in Idar-Oberstein. However, around this time there was large deposits of Agate discovered in Brazil. By 1834 the gem cutters in Idar-Oberstein were importing this new supply from Brazil. Giving the industry there a new lease of life. Gemstone cutting and polishing continues in Idar-Oberstein to the present day.
During the Victorian Period Scotland became famous for its Agate jewellery, also called pebble jewellery. Scottish Agate was typically collected along the East Coast particularly around Fife rather than commercially mined. Scottish Agate jewellery is highly prized for its unique patterns and colours.
Today Agate is mined commercially wordwide, with the major producing countries being: Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, United States, Madagascar and India.

Folklore

Throughout history, Agate gemstones have been associated with protection, strength and harmony. Moss Agate was known as the “Gardener`s Stone” and it symbolised growth, abundance and prosperity. The ancient Egyptians believed that the gemstone could protect them from thunderstorms and calamities. They also believed that the stone gave the gift of speech. The Persians believed that by burning Agate, they would be protected from storms. Other beliefs about Agate claim that it makes the wearer more agreeable, persuasive and to be in God`s favour. Agate was believed to cure insomnia and to give the wearer pleasant dreams.
Greek Mythology: The ancient Greeks associated the stone with the goddess Gaia, who was the goddess of the Earth and mother of all life. The Greeks believed the stone gave the power of protection and courage. As such, Greek soldiers would wear it into battle believing it would shield them from harm. Mithridates VI, king of Pontus had such strong belief in the protective power of the stone that he accumulated some 4,000 Agate vessels. In the didactic Christian text: Physiologus it was written, that if an Agate stone was tied to a rope and dropped into the sea. It would turn and so indicate the location of pearls ( a form of divining ).
Roman Mythology: The Romans believed the stone could be ground into a powder and used as a treatment for venomous snake bites. They associated the gemstone with Aurora, goddess of the Dawn and Bona Dea, goddess of fertility, healing and protection for women exclusively. The Romans also wore the gemstone as an amulet when undertaking voyages, believing the stone could protect them from storms and lightning strikes. They believed the stone could ward off misfortune.
Medieval Europeans: During the middle ages, people believed that this gemstone had a number of medicinal powers. It was believed to have the power to counteract all poisons and to counteract contagious diseases. In the case of fevers, if the sufferer held the gemstone in their hand or placed the stone in their mouth then the fever would abate. Red Agate was believed to increase and/or improve vision, for the wearer. In the Catholic Church, the gemstone was most commonly used to make Rosary beads. These Agate Rosary beads or Rosary bracelets where associated with Saints known for protection against evil or for healing. Agate Rosary beads are associated with Saint Teresa of Avilla, who was known for healing. Agate Rosary bracelets are associated with Saint Benedict, known for protecting against evil and blue Agate Rosary bracelets are for Saint Michael the Archangel who was known for fighting evil. One of the sacred relics of the Catholic Church is the holy Chalice of Valencia, which is believed by many to be the Holy Grail. The Holy Grail is a cup or chalice used by Our Lord Jesus Christ at the last supper to share his blood. The Chalice of Valencia is a red Agate cup and has been housed in the Capilla Del Santo Caliz ( Valencia Cathedral ) since 1437.

Famous Agates

Comments:
You can also get in touch with Carusjewellery.com on Facebook , were you may leave any comments or questions you have about this article.