Agate

Specifications

Agate is a variety of quartz and a sub variety of chalcedony. It is distinguishable by its characteristic colours and banding; no gemstone is more creatively striped by nature than agate. Although agates may be found in various kinds of rock, they are classically associated with the nodular masses of volcanic rocks or ancient lavas. When found in nature agates are often hollow, and when split open they reveal an amazing variety of colour and patterns.

Origin

Beautiful agates have been discovered in Germany, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Mongolia, China, Yemen, Morocco, Iceland, India ... However, today, the main exploited deposits have settled in the south of Brazil and Uruguay. where the extract of specimens of several meters, but also at Mont-Lyall, Quebec. This ancient volcano washed 350 million years ago. On cooling, the rocks are crystallized in the form of quartz, amethyst, chalcedony and carnelian. There is also therapeutic green clay. This mine is a car open to visit and pick up minerals.

Virtues

In India, Nepal and Tibet, agate is still considered a lucky charm and a stone of protection. It is believed to calm and balance both mother and child during pregnancy and childbirth. It is also known for removing negativity, as well as stimulating analytic abilities, reinforcing concentration and bringing clarity of thought. Being a protection stone, it is also believed to offer protection from bad dreams.

Histoiry

The stone is named after the river Achates, in today's Sicily, where it was first discovered by a Greek philosopher and naturalist. Agate is the oldest stone in recorded history. Colourful agates and other chalcedonies were obtained already 3000 years ago from the river's shorelines and had a widespread use in the ancient world.