Agate - The Gemstone for Confidence and Courage

Agate is a semi precious gemstone belonging to the Chalcedony family and is found in a wide variety of colors and textures. There is no gemstone which is more creatively striped by Nature than the Agate. This stone is symbolic of health and long life. The stone is said to receive its name from Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher and naturalist, who discovered the stone along the shore line of the River Achates. Agate is the birthstone of those born in the month of May and September. Agate is suitable for those with the Zodiac Signs of Aries, Leo, Virgo, Capricorn, Gemini and Cancer. Agate is also the Wedding Anniversary Gemstone associated with the 12^th year of Marriage. Most of agates are seen in the cavities of eruptive rocks or ancient lavas.

Agate was used as a talisman or amulet from ancient times. This stone is said to improve confidence, courage, strength, vitality and health of the wearer and keep him physically and emotionally balanced. Agate gem is also worn to evade bad dreams and for having a pleasant sleep. Agate is also a healing gemstone. It is used to treat stomach upsets, insomnia, fever etc. According to the ancient superstition, wearing agate gave one the power to vanquish enemies and acquire riches. It is also said that one should carry an Agate gem when an important decision has to be made. Persian magicians is said to have used agate to divert storms. There are many varieties of agate. A few of them are

• Blue Lace Agate: This is one of the popular agates and has made its name as a calming and uplifting stone. This stone strengthens the functions of the throat chakra.
• Moss Agate : A variety having included matter of a green color embedded in the agate is known as moss agate. This stone is dark green and often with clear patches. It is the birthstone of those born under the Zodiac Aquarius and wedding anniversary gemstone associated with the 14^th year of Marriage.
• Tree Agate: This stone is a healing stone and used widely to get relief from pains.
• Eye Agate: This stone is said to ward off evil eye. This is also a suggested stone for those who are very sensitive in nature and gets hurt easily. Another name of this gem stone is Botswana Agate.
• Petrified Wood Agate: This stone is usually brown, white or red.
• Riband Agate: Riband agates are agates where the bands appear as straight lines in cross section.
• Fire Agate: This stone is said to give the wearer a feel of safety and security. This gem is also said to be useful for removing addictions and for treating the stomach, nervous and endocrine systems.
• Snakeskin Agate: As the name indicates this gem bears resemblance to the snake skin. This stone is said to bring a feel of inner peace in the wearer.

Agate is one of the oldest stones found and is most commonly used to make Jewelry. One cannot resist the beauty of Agate made rings, pendants, necklaces, pins, brooches and earrings. However, it is also used to make inkstands, paper knives, marbles, seals etc. Because of its ability to resist acids and hardness this gem is used to make mortars and pestles to crush and mix chemicals. It has been used for leather burnishing tools. A dream of this gem signifies a journey.

Agate is found throughout the world including Brazil, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, China, Scotland, Madagascar, Mexico and the United States.