Agate stone: properties and who it suits according to zodiac sign

Natural agate

History and origin

Agate is a stone of volcanic origin. It is believed that it was first found on the island of Sicily, near the Achates River. The name of the stone was given to the place where it was discovered. Although another version of the legend claims that the mineral got its name from the Greek “agathos” - kind, happy.

Agate stone

By nature, it is a type of chalcedony, which in turn is a type of quartz. Description: Alternating layers of contrasting colors, objects in the form of ellipses and stars, mosaic or kaleidoscopic images reminiscent of the ruins of ancient cities, and even misty figures reminiscent of plants are all agate. But ironically, the true beauty of a stone can only be seen through its cut or fracture. Outwardly, it is a completely unremarkable pebble.

The amazing internal coloring, inexplicable from the point of view of the ancients, gave rise to an abundance of legends and rumors associated with this stone.

A gem with an eye design was often called the “Eye of God,” sometimes specifying that it meant Vulcan or Pluto. In Renaissance Italy, this stone was revered as a symbol of masters of the artistic arts - jewelers, cutters, stone carvers, sculptors and artists.

The importance of agate was so great that products made from it - dishes, bowls, figurines - with proper craftsmanship were considered worthy of decorating the chambers of emperors. It is known that agate was valued in the courts of at least two European rulers - the Basileus of Byzantium and, a couple of centuries later, the Austrian Habsburg dynasty. The characteristics of the stone allow for very fine processing, achieving a strong artistic effect, therefore in ancient times it was classified not as an ornamental stone, but as a precious stone.

Alchemists of the Middle Ages believed that an agate mortar and pestle was the best tool for grinding various substances. They turned out to be right: thanks to the combination of physical properties - hardness at the same time as viscosity and strength - agate is still used to make dishes for chemical laboratories in our time.

This is interesting

There are a lot of interesting facts associated with agate:

• Thus, experts say that there are more than 150 types of agates in the world. It is impossible to find two absolutely identical specimens.
• Agate was first written about back in 372-287. BC. The work belongs to Theophrastus. This confirms the fact that the stone has been known since ancient times.
• The ancient Egyptians put a pebble in their mouth instead of a candy. Agate saved them from thirst.
• A bowl made of solid agate is kept in Vienna. Its diameter is 75 centimeters. There is a unique product in the treasury of the Hofburg.
• In Greece, a ring with agate was taken on a long journey. The ring guaranteed good, clear weather for the traveler.

Physicochemical characteristics

By chemical nature it is silica, silicon dioxide. Certain varieties of agate include inclusions of other elements of the periodic table, primarily carbonates, fluorides and sulfides, and less commonly metals.

Agate stone

This is a polymineral consisting of separate layers of chalcedony, quartz derivatives and other substances. A distinctive feature of agate is that the boundaries between the layers are very clearly visible, while the heterogeneity of the structure does not affect the strength characteristics of the stone. Mohs hardness 6.5–7, matte gloss. Some specimens are distinguished by translucent edges.

Distinctive property: agate is resistant to all acids except hydrofluoric acid.

Mining locations

Agate deposits are scattered throughout the world. It is mined by mining and found in placers, often on river banks. As a rule, mining is carried out manually, by collecting stones washed up on the banks of a river that originates in the mountains. This is how agates from sedimentary rocks are mined.

Agate is a frequent companion of volcanoes. One of the theories of its origin says that it is formed from solidifying magma. Its deposits are located in places that were once characterized by volcanic activity, but then these volcanoes went extinct. In Russia, this is Crimea (Karadag), the Urals, certain areas of the Magadan region and Chukotka (Far East), even Priochye.

Georgia, Armenia, Tajikistan, Mongolia, Brazil, and India can boast of large deposits. In Europe, small placers have been preserved in Ukraine and Germany.

Legends about the mineral

There are several legends about the origin of this mysterious mineral. One of them says that black agate is a symbol of the victory of good over evil. On the day of the battle between good and evil, a white eagle died, fighting on the side of good. Turning into stone, he fell to the ground. His eyes turned into black agates and crumbled into many small crystals. They recognize good and evil deeds in a person, transform bad into good.

The second legend is related to the Holy Grail. It is believed that the cup, which grants immortality to those who drink from it, is a stone lost by Satan during his descent into hell.

Black agate was revered in ancient India, considering it a symbol of spirituality and wisdom. In ancient Rome, the stone was a talisman of fertility.

Varieties and colors

It is impossible to clearly state what color an agate is. This mineral has many faces, like nature itself: there are white-brown, white-blue, yellow, pink, even black and bright blue varieties. Moreover, many common subspecies have their own names, such as onyx, sardonyx and sapphirine.

Agate jewelry

A specific variety of agate is determined by the pattern on the saw blade and the combination of colors. Primary colors:

• brown;
• blue or blue;
• yellow-brown;
• pink;
• grey;
• greenish;
• shades of red or carmine.

Black agate is less common.

Subspecies of agate such as onyx and sardonyx are considered independent stones in gemology. Onyx is distinguished by parallel layers of contrasting colors, such as white and blue, white and brown, and so on. And sardonyx is an alternation of red, orange, carmine and yellow layers that can form various shapes - “pupils”, stars and so on.

A rare blue variety is called sapphirine.

Sapphirine stones

In addition to the variety of colors, agates are classified according to the pattern on the fracture or cut. Interspersed with various elements can form figures there that resemble natural landscapes, city outlines, ruins of fortresses, tree branches or imprints of ancient petrified moss. Some stones when cut resemble the shells of prehistoric fossilized mollusks, and sometimes fossil cephalopods actually turn out to be part of the agate.

The classification by type speaks for itself:

• star;
• banded;
• landscape or landscape;
• bastion or ruin;
• flywheel;
• dendrite;
• floral;
• frosty;
• disk;
• iridescent;
• fiery;
• rainbow.

Separately, it is worth noting flywheel, dendrite and flower agate. The first has an amazing pattern, reminiscent of black northern moss on a light background. On the cut of the second one you can see a picture that suggests dense forest thickets. Floral - something between the first and second; on the cut of such a specimen you can see a fancy flower.

This list is far from complete. Each deposit is distinguished by its own “signature” stone pattern. Green ones with a brown pattern, for example, are mined in India, black and white striped ones are found in the mountains of Tibet, and specimens with “pupils” of alternating brown, white and gray stripes are brought from Brazil.

Use in medicine

Lithotherapists believe that the healing and magical properties of agate primarily include:

1. Ability to soothe toothache.
2. Inducing good dreams for insomnia.
3. Stress relief.
4. Cleansing the body in case of poisoning (not very severe).
5. Relief from frequent night cramps.
6. Relieving pain in case of stomach problems - for example, exacerbation of gastritis.

But here we must take into account that the healing functions of the stone depend on its subtype. Listed above are the main ones, common to everyone. Sardonyx and onyx, as independent minerals, have their own specific characteristics. The same applies to moss, dendrite, black agate.

It is important to know that the healing properties of agate are better manifested when the amulet is correctly placed on the body. If you wear an agate talisman opposite the heart, it can normalize blood pressure and put the cardiovascular system in order.

A stone with a pattern of moss or other plants helps against fungal diseases if it is placed in the bath that the patient is taking. Pink agate gives strength in the fight against bad habits, such as smoking.

Price

Black agate
The price of black agate is determined taking into account several factors - the place of extraction of the mineral, size, color saturation, processing method and setting. The average cost of stones and products with them is:

• 5-20 $ - for 1 kg of untreated stones;
• $40 – for beads with a length of 500 mm and a bead diameter of 16 mm;
• $19-45 - for earrings with black agate in a silver frame, depending on the size of the stone;
• $420 – for a gold ring with black agate and cubic zirconia;
• $10-17 - for black agate in a bracelet in the form of beads with a diameter of 8-10 mm.

Magic properties

In the world of magic, agate is associated with the element of Earth, despite the fact that astrologers associate it with the planet Pluto. Thanks to this, the magical properties of agate are diverse, to such an extent that it is difficult to generalize. They very much depend on the subspecies of the mineral, its structure and color.

Agate amulet

Most classic, red-brown or grayish-blue banded agates make good, broad-spectrum amulets. In ancient times, they were especially valued by sailors and travelers: it was believed that amulets and talismans made of agate would always bring their owner home.

Red-brown agate stones

A brown or reddish gem, for example, sardonyx, is a stone that returns a dreamer from heaven to earth. It is well suited for impetuous, enthusiastic people who find it difficult to distinguish real projects and plans from extravagant, unrealistic ones.

Sardonyx rocks

White agate is suitable for mothers who want to protect their baby from the evil eye or damage. Such a pebble should be hung above the baby’s crib.

White agate balls

Blue stone is useful to wear for artists and performers, as well as for those who suffer from self-doubt. It gives a person clarity - both in thoughts and in their expression.

Blue agate

Yellow-brown helps increase charisma and develop persuasion skills.

Yellow-brown agate stones

Black is necessary for sorcerers, magicians and mystics. The magical properties of the stone will help you establish a connection with the other world, get to know yourself, and, through self-awareness, establish contact with the dimension of higher entities.

Handmade rosary made of black agate

Green is suitable for a person who has started a risky legal battle. It helps the owner to be liked by people and gives him special luck in defending his rights.

Green agate stones

Pink - heals emotional wounds, helps to forget the past (especially in terms of love failures) and find harmony with oneself, and in the future, meet true love.

Pink agate necklace

Purple helps you concentrate during meditation.

Purple agate beads

Gray and blue improve the ability to concentrate on current tasks and difficulties. At the same time, gray is a stone of pure earthly matter, well helping a person with “earthly” aspirations - to make a career, get a good job, etc., but blue is the opposite. Sapphirite, rather, helps the owner to see beauty in the everyday and boring, and with the help of this to fight difficulties. This is a stone for romantics who are disturbed by everyday life and routine.

Gray agate bracelet

In general, the interpretation of the magical features of agate lies in the trend: it is the soft and non-aggressive force of the Earth, which is not capable of moving mountains and crushing cities, but envelops its owner in a reliable protective cocoon.

This means that it cuts off unnecessary thoughts, helps to distinguish the real from the far-fetched, and directs the lines of probability in the right direction. Agate, unlike other precious, semi-precious and ornamental stones, has virtually no contraindications for wearing.

Tibetan Dzi beads

Dzi beads are agate with a pattern printed on it: various circles, waves, geometric shapes. A bead with the so-called “9 eyes” is especially valued. This number is sacred in Buddhism. Their history goes back about three thousand years.

Tibet and everything that is made there is considered sacred. These beads were used as amulets that gave strength and brought good luck. Alexander the Great gave them to his soldiers as a talisman for good luck in battle. Today they are famous all over the world and are worn by many celebrities in the form of bracelets.

Tibetans make beads from blue agate. In addition to agate, the ancient beads included minerals that do not exist on earth. They were attributed to alien origin. How our ancestors made these beads is unknown to this day.

Zodiac compatibility

Agate's horoscope compatibility is almost perfect. It is suitable for almost all zodiac signs, although it especially “loves” Taurus, Cancer and Gemini.

But to say which zodiac sign agate suits best, you need to take into account the color of the mineral. Reddish and pink stones are optimal for earth signs - Taurus and Virgo, brown and bright red - for fire signs. A gray or blue stone is suitable according to the horoscope of a resident of the water element, for example, Cancer. But the black mineral in the zodiac circle most closely corresponds to Scorpio.

(“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated)

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

To the question “for which zodiac signs according to the horoscope is agate suitable?” Most astrologers note the particularly favorable influence of the stone on people born between May and September, that is, under the constellations Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo .

Aries and Sagittarius are considered incompatible with agate . Some astrologers believe that Pisces should also not wear agate jewelry, as they may be less able to achieve their goals. If a representative of any of these three zodiac signs really liked the agate and felt a liking for the gem, then you need to purchase an amulet that can be hidden under clothes or in a bag. A stone that is open to the views of other people can bring vanity and useless troubles into the life of Aries, Sagittarius, and Pisces. If representatives of these signs have not found a suitable agate for themselves, they can choose another mineral. Perfect for Aries: ruby, amber, tanzanite, emerald. For Sagittarius, lucky stones will be: lapis lazuli, sapphire (blue), spinel, chalcedony, blue quartz, amber, ruby. Pisces should pay attention to amethyst, moonstone, opal, rose quartz, jasper, spinel.

Certain colors of agate are preferred for different zodiac signs:

• for Earth signs ( Taurus , Virgo , Capricorn ) - pink and with a reddish tint;
• for signs of the fire element ( Aries , Leo , Sagittarius ) - bright red, brown;
• for Cancer and Pisces - blue, gray;
• for Scorpio - black;
• for Aquarius , Libra - blue, gray.
• for Gemini - any shades.

Compatibility with other stones

Agate jewelry is best combined with products made from other stones of the earth or water elements.

Neighborhood with Air stones is neutral; there will be no harm or benefit.

Agate (all varieties) can be worn simultaneously with:

• nephritis;
• lapis lazuli;
• jasper;
• cacholong;
• morion;
• emerald;
• opal;
• peridot;
• aventurine;
• malachite.

Bracelet made of agate and jade
Neutral is the combination with Air gems, which include the following:

• rhinestone;
• smoky quartz;
• topaz;
• amethyst;
• sapphire;
• blue chalcedony.

Agate is incompatible with any Fire stones, primarily with ruby, pyrope, garnet, diamond (diamond), and also coral.

Application area

Due to its wide distribution in nature, agate prices are low. They start at $2 per gram, although individual large specimens with beautiful designs, after appropriate processing, acquire a significantly higher value, calculated in hundreds of conventional units.

Nowadays, jewelry with agate is nonsense. This is an ornamental stone that is not set into precious metals. It is used to make inexpensive but beautiful jewelry - beads, necklaces, bracelets.

The most popular cut is cabochon; uncut and only polished specimens are often found. The stones are carefully polished and, if necessary, restored using special chemical solutions to saturate the color. This type of processing is not considered counterfeit. The most valuable agates are collectibles.

Large pieces of stone are used by stone cutters, who make souvenirs from them - figurines, decorative cups, balls, pyramids, and so on. Many enterprises mass produce amulets and amulets.

Price

The cost of agate is influenced by the following factors:

• variety;
• weight;
• degree of rarity.

In a jewelry store you can choose and buy this gem for $2 per gram . For one pebble you will need to pay a maximum of $110–220 .

Some specimens are graded as first-tier stones.

Read also: Scapolite - a stone staff that bestows knowledge

How to spot a fake

Agate, sardonyx or onyx are counterfeited quite rarely - it is economically unprofitable due to their low cost. A “refined” mineral is not considered fake, but if you want to purchase a 100% natural stone without any traces of processing, then remember: specimens that are too bright are suspicious. Natural minerals do not have toxic colors.

Blue agate stone

Black agates are most often counterfeited; they are made from pressed stone chips. It is difficult to determine the natural origin of such a stone.

The best way is to try to scratch the glass with a stone, or vice versa - with a glass, a pebble. Natural agate of any subspecies is harder and heavier than glass and especially plastic.

A bracelet or beads made of agate have a large mass, which in itself means “earthly” origin.

Features of care

Agate is a durable but porous mineral. This means that it absorbs dirt quite easily, even if the specimen is thoroughly polished. Caring for it is simple: do not allow the product to come into contact with a damp and dirty environment, wipe from time to time with a dry cloth or wash with a mild soap solution. You can wear it at any time, but the “ennobled” stone should not be exposed to direct sunlight - the color may fade.

Agate care

The products will last a long time if you follow the basic rules of caring for them.

So, the rules for caring for agate:

• Coloring is one of the main advantages. Constant exposure to the bright sun and immersion in water are not the best uses. In these cases they will fade very quickly.
• The mineral is quite durable, but we should not forget that it has been polished, so its surface should be protected. Jewelry is best stored separately from other items.
• Do not place it in an alkaline or acidic environment - this will quickly lead to its deterioration. Sudden temperature changes are also prohibited.
• Polished beads should be wiped with a soft, dry cloth.

Timing to buy

The gem is undemanding about the phases of the moon and the lunar cycle, but prefers “masculine” days of the week - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. A stone purchased on one of these days will acquire greater power than on a “women’s” day - Wednesday, Friday or Saturday.

Sunday stands apart here: the end of the work week is a time for rest, not work. On this day, you absolutely cannot go for agate; the stone will begin to “act up” and lead you astray.

The Friday rule does not apply to magicians who purchase purple or black gems for magical purposes.