The versatile agate

The versatile agate

Agate objects are widely used as decoration. The intricate lines of agate as decoration in noble dishes. Even in ancient times, the enthusiasm for agate was great; the lines and colors in the gemstone make each piece unique. The kings of Pontus were known for their extensive collection of dishes made from agate. They shared this love with the rulers of the Byzantine Empire. During the Renaissance, the nobility adopted this love, and the collecting of dishes reached its peak. Some masterpieces can be admired in various museums around the world.

Agate was discovered before the start of our era by Theophrastus, a student of Aristotle, near the Achatus River in Sicily. In addition to processing agate into dishes, this stone was also highly valued as a talisman. The story goes that agate prevents thirst and protects against fever.

Special agates

Agate is a chalcedony variety and comes in many types and colors. It is a stone that is always somewhat translucent (the amount varies per type of agate). Special agates include:

• Stinking water plume agate
• Crazy lace agate
• Red yellow moss agate
• Christmas tree agate
• Burning bush agate
• Fire agate

Agate is found everywhere; just look around you, and you might even find one. Significant agate discoveries have been made in countries such as Brazil, India, and Madagascar. Yellow agate matches the zodiac signs: Gemini, Taurus, Virgo, and Scorpio.

Agate spiritually

Different agates can have different spiritual purposes. So always pay close attention to which agate you buy and what spiritual effect it has. Protection against headaches, during pregnancy, and skin conditions.

Gemological

Beware of artificially colored agates. Agates can be colored and then lose their spiritual effect. If you want to use an agate for spiritual purposes, make sure you buy an agate that has not been colored. You can recognize them by their unnatural, often bright, color.

Natural agate

Despite agate being available in large quantities, each specimen is different. Due to the lines, shapes, and colors, they are all unique specimens. This also means that the value of different agates varies, because you might just find those unique colors in that one pattern that attracts everyone's attention.