Agate

Overview
A form of chalcedony (quartz) which occurs in many colors that range from transparent to opaque. Agates are found all over the world and are believed to soothe the mind and improve your memory. Some agates are geodes, which means they are hollow in the middle, often with crystals inside.

About the Stone

Agates grow in many different types of rock, and through many different processes. As such, their hardness can vary greatly, but is generally somewhere between a six and an eight on the Mohs scale. Agate is a member of the quartz family of stones, and often you will find agates with bands of quartz and chalcedony layered through it. Agates are found all over the world. Africa, Asia, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, England, India, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, Canada, and the United States all have varieties of Agates that are found there. Agates are most often found round instead of any other shape.

Metaphysical Properties

Agates are believed to be quite soothing overall, especially on the mind. They are also thought to improve the memory. Individual types of agates have their own personal healing properties.

Agate in Jewelry

Agates are for the most part quite durable stones. They can be dyed different colors, sliced exceptionally thin, and aside from doing a real number on your blades because they're so hard, are quite nice to work with in jewelry. Agates provide unlimited options to work with because of the sheer number of types of agates there are in the world. Pricewise, some agates (like the Fire Agate for example) can end up being quite pricey for a good quality piece; but for the most part agates are very affordable stones, and great for beginners!