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AGATE
Agate is a microcrystalline variety of quartz (silica), chiefly chalcedony, characterized by its fineness of grain and brightness of color. Although agates may be found in various kinds of rock, they are classically associated with volcanic rocks but can be common in certain metamorphic rocks.
The stone was given its name by Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher and naturalist, who discovered the stone along the shore line of the river Achates sometime between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. Colorful agates and other chalcedonies were obtained over 3,000 years ago from the Achates River, now called Dirillo, in Sicily.
Physical properties of Agate:
Stone Type/Family: Silicates
Category: Quartz variety
Crystal System: Trigonal
Chemical formula: Silica, SiO2
Color: White to grey, light blue, orange to red, black. A banded variety of Chalcedony found in white, red, pink, gray, blue, green, brown, or any combination of these colors.
Crystal habit: Cryptocrystalline silica
Crystal system: Rhombohedral Microcrystalline
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal with very sharp edges.
Mohs scale hardness: 7
Luster: Waxy
Streak: White
Specific gravity: 2.58-2.64
Refractive index: 1.530-1.540
Birefringence: up to +0.004 (B-G)
Pleochroism: Absent
Location: Found World Wide including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Madagascar, Poland, UK, Uruguay, USA
Rarity: Common
Metaphysical guide of Agate:
Primary Chakra: Varies by type and color
Astrological sign(s): Gemini, Scorpion
Vibration: Number 7
Agate can help those who have repressed emotional issues that need to be addressed so that they can let go (release) and heal. Many feel that Agate has an anti-depressant quality. It can be helpful for those who are struggling to be genuine in their lifestyle, as it promotes an understanding of the need for deeper meaning. Agate stimulates the exploration of the unknown and furthers ones quest toward the enlightened state.
Carry Agate to promote creative ability in any project or goal. Agate promotes creativity, and encourages one to find solutions rather than focusing on negative aspects of daily challenges. Crystal healers like to use Agate for its soothing and calming qualities. Agate energizes the auric body and encourages eternal and constant love by bringing in the energies of Universal and Unconditional Love. Agate is a reminder that we are love and compassion in action.
In general, Agates carry a quiet energy that works on the subtle bodies, and are great for achieving stability and balance in many aspects of one’s life. Agates tend to work behind the scenes on the cause, instead of the symptom, of an issue. Agate is believed to improve mental functions and can help where issues of clarity and stability are concerned. Agate is also helpful in overcoming negative emotions by bringing love into the chakras. Although they work very slowly and deliberately, this gentle nature of Agate helps them to have a lasting impact.
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