Agate Meaning & Uses
A huge part of agate’s appeal is because it comes in such a wide variety of colors and patterns. There’s an option for almost every taste and style. The most popular variation of the Chalcedony family, agate features layers of different colors, formed from tiny shards of quartz. The layers create a beautiful pattern, making it perfect to use in jewelry and ornamental pieces. Available in everything from earthy reds and browns to vibrant greens, blues, and yellows, each variation is a result of different impurities and minerals trapped within its layers. Each type is thought to have its own unique meaning and purpose.
History of Agate:
Many ancient cultures, especially the Greeks, are thought to have used agate as a healing stone. Under Julius Caesar’s reign, the stone was abundant along the Nahe River in Germany.
Egyptians wore it around their necks to prevent stiffness, while Romans used it in creams and ointments for what was thought to be its divine healing properties. Asian cultures used it to treat fevers and sore throats. They also thought the stone could stop possession, poisonous death, drunkenness, and thunder.
During the reign of Queen Victoria, the stone gained prominence in Europe and was used for jewelry, ornaments, and even royal accessory.
Agate doesn’t wear away quickly, making it perfect for daily wear jewelry. Although it is most commonly used in jewelry, it’s also used to beautify sculptures, beads, paperweights, bookends, and more.
Uses:
Agate is thought to have a supportive, nurturing, and comforting energy that helps people figure out what’s wrong and work on fixing it. Known for its preventive healing properties, the stone has been used for dealing with chronic illnesses, like migraines or pain. It has also been used as an elixir with cooling energy that helps with digestive problems, indigestion, inflammation, and more. Agate is also thought to help the skin, eyes, heart, and lungs.
Each variety of agate stone has its own unique properties and is thought to help with different things. These are just a few and what they’ve traditionally been used for:
- Moss agate: Aids with self-expression and communication.
- Fire agate: Aids in a deep evaluation of oneself and end cravings and self-destructive habits.
- Dendritic Agate: Peace, serenity, and emotional abundance to relationships.
- Blue Lace Agate: Calms the mind and assists in feeling comforted, inspired, and successful.
- Brown and Orange Varieties: Aid in letting go of negative emotions and grounding to positive.
