Agate Semi Precious Gemstone

Agate is a milky form of quartz, and even more distinctly chalcedony. Agate is often formed inside of rocks, particularly hollow types of rocks, like volcanic rocks. Water that is carrying silicon dioxide will seep into these rocks since they are often very porous. However just like rock salt forms as water evaporates (if the correct conditions are available), so will the silicon dioxide. As it crystallizes it forms in different patterns of crystallization that mock both quartz and moganite. As the different layers form, we get what we see as bands when we cut into these rocks.

Since agate is formed relatively easy in nature, in that it doesn't require high temperatures or pressures to form,  agate can be found all over the world including places like Brazil, Uruguay, and Germany. You can also find agate in the western part of the United States in the following states, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana.

Agate is also thought to have had a magical meaning to it. According to findyourfate.com, agate is thought to:

• Defend against the evil eye
• Protect against storms and lightning
• Protect against headaches and fever
• Draws the venom out of reptile and insect bites
• Cure eye infections and fever
• Will improve eye site
• Remove inflammation and tiredness of the eyes
• Staunch bleeding
• Relieve skin irritation
• Promote Fertility
• Increase athletic prowess

As well as many other things!

Agate is one of my favorite kinds of gemstones. It can have so many colors and patterns that you can never quite be sure what all your going to see upon deeper inspection.



http://geology.com/rock-tumbler/gemstones/agate.shtml
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-agate.htm
http://www.rps.psu.edu/0109/form.html <----- is a Penn State Article
http://www.desertusa.com/mag98/april/papr/geo_agate.html
http://www.findyourfate.com/gemology/superstition.htm#agate