Agate is a type of chalcedony. Though it is considered only a semi-precious stone, it can be invaluable to those who understand its uses. Agate's variety makes it hard not to find one that will be helpful to you.
In general, agates are said to tone and strengthen the mind. They are useful in removing envy and easing stressful situations. Though it is considered grounding, this stone also provides a sense of strength, self-confidence, and courage. Using this gemstone will allow you to ferret out the truth and accept circumstances as they are. Agate allows you to reach a better physical and emotional balance and is also a powerful healer which aids the digestive system, the blood, skin, and intestinal tract. It also sharpens your sight, benefits your mind, and aids your eloquence. Agate strengthens the power of the sun in your astrological sign when you wear it. When working with chakras, use the color of the stone as your guide. Agates are also said to inspire fidelity.
Whether used as healing amulets or simple ornamentation, the use of agates was wide spread in the ancient world. Dating back to ancient Babylon and Egypt and continued in Greece, its use was also wide-spread throughout Africa, the Middle East, and Russia. Often used in addition to other stones, this was to strengthen and make sure of the success of the other stone. It was believed that agates could protect their owners from danger and children from falling. Early physicians used them for abdominal pains. Not only healthful for its bearer, this stone may also strengthen eyesight and relieve thirst and benefit your plants if you wear it while gardening.
Banded Agates have layers of quartz through them. Not only do they reinforce your personal strength, they also protect you if you are a sensitive person. If you are someone who needs extra courage or energy when dealing with the stresses in your life, Banded Agate is the stone for you.
Blue Lace Agate is a pale blue stone with concentric markings. It helps you develop and realize your inner peace from the inside out. Using blue lace agate on the third eye area between the eyebrows or holding it in your hand will act as a sedative for the nerves and help relieve tension headaches and arthritis. It might even aid in easing arguments as it promotes caring and tenderness and self-expression. Blue Lace Agate is excellent for loneliness or emotional pain.
Botswana Agate, a type of Banded Agate, is grey-lavender and waxy. It is considered a helpful stone if you are trying to quit smoking, and it benefits the circulatory system, the skin, and the brain by providing more oxygen in the blood. Ancient Africans used them in fertility rituals to strengthen physical sexual energy. Botswana promotes optimism, helping people with depression. It is protective of people who are supersensitive, especially in crowds. It also helps artistic expression, sensuality, stress, anxiety, and emotional catharsis. It is recommended for smokers, firefighters, and Geminis.
Carnelian is a translucent orange agate, dark to red-brown, salmon, or sienna, once highly prized by the Egyptians, to whom it represented organized nature and was worn by master architects to show their rank. Ancient warriors also wore these stones around their necks for courage and physical strength. The name itself means flesh, and this is possibly why it is recommended for spells of lust and physical desire as well as all healing spells. Present thought is that it may be especially helpful for those who suffer from asthma. Alchemists in the Middle Ages considered it a metaphysical energizer to the physical form and used it to "activate" the powers of other agates. It is judged excellent for guarding your thoughts from others who may be trying to intrude against your will. Carnelian can also be used to activate your own energies, like Plume Agates, as an aid to creative visualization and actualization. It eases depression, self-doubt, and shyness by promoting self confidence and peace.
Dendritic Agates, or Dendrite, resemble a negative of the night sky, milky white with blue or brownish stars. It is considered one of the most powerful protective stones for travel, preventing fatigue and accident.
Fire Agate can be orange, brown, blue, or green. Especially helpful during times of emotional turmoil, it calms and helps people feel more secure, taking the edge off difficult experiences. For this reason, it can be used to help in meditation. It is also good for the memory. It is helpful to the digestive and endocrine systems and is a tissue regenerator. It is suggested for Aries, Leo, Virgo, Capricorns, and Geminis. Dentists, optometrists, and other people in the healing profession may also benefit from this stone.
Indian Agate, especially if it has an "eye", was used to ward off evil influences, negativity, and the evil eye. It would also prevent injury and bodily harm of any kind. They were also offered to the gods who presided over the elements to gain protection for crops from drought, flood, or insects.
Iris Agates appear in thin slices reveal which reveal rainbows when tilted in the light. This stone is thought to regenerate the sense of touch in injured fingers (30 minute applications). Iris Agate is said to promotes recognition of inner truths as well.
Lace Agates are red, pink, white, yellow, or blue with have circular designs like pebbles dropped in water. Mexican red Lace Agate is helpful in assert your attitudes. Blue Lace Agate calms your emotions and mind. White supports optimistic thoughts, while pink can help you bolster your failing attitude.
Leopard Skin Agate is a lovely cream to salmon colored stone with dark grey-brown spots. It is very protective, especially when defending against sorcery and possession. Like other agates, it increases courage and strength and is helpful in the healing arts. This gemstone is useful when contacting your spirits animals.
Moss Agate may be black, blue, red, or brown with what appears to be plants growing inside. There are also fern or plume agates and white and green tree agates. Moss Agate cleanses the circulatory system, helps hypoglycemia, and alleviates depression. Those who channel energies regularly may find this stone helpful. In the past, warriors would use this stone to make themselves strong and victorious over enemies. Moss Agate was thought to defend against serpents, cleanse the body of poisons, and assist in healing wounds. It not only cleanses the body through the lymphatic and digestive systems, it cleanses your environment as well. Moss Agates were worn to increase the life span and ward off self-induced anger, bitterness, and other negativity. It also dispels fears, especially over one's health. It is recommended to anyone in the agricultural or botany field and midwives. Anyone who is methodical and emotionally troubled may be helped by Moss Agate. Intuitive or creative people may find this stone helpful. It is suggested to Geminis.
Green Moss Agate is thought to be especially helpful in restoring energy and health. It is comes especially recommended to those who have problems with the neck and back Green Moss Agate brings happiness, emotional balance, wealth, and long life to those who use it. This is also an excellent gemstone to utilize if you want to make new friends. It is also called the "gardener's talisman" and is said to be able to lead you to hidden treasures. Green Moss Agate may be added to money and happiness spells.
Plume Agates, a form of Moss Agate, has a fiery red, grass-like plume which bursts though the stone. These stones, in addition to the characteristics of a normal Moss Agate, can assist when focusing your mind for creative visualization and actualization. It can be a good stone to carry with you when seeking a job.
Rhodochrosite, a pink agate with white, milky lace, was used by the Incas with moonstone or garnet in ornamentation. It is also called Rosa del Inca, "Inca Rose." It can be used to bring new love into your life and restore balance in someone who has been wounded emotionally or physically. Like other agates, it can enhance your strength during strenuous activity. It has also been used to increase beauty, especially of the skin, and would be healing for a bad complexion.
Tawny Agate or brown agate is said to assist in matters of love, protect against reptiles and the Evil Eye, and increase your intelligence.