Agate Story (english)

WHAT IS AN AGATE?

Agates are semi-precious gemstones that are a variegated form of chalcedony (pronounced kal-sed’-nee), which is silicon dioxide in the form of microscopic fibrous quartz crystals. Agates naturally develop when an empty pocket inside a host rock fills in molecule-by-molecule, layer-by-layer as these microcrystals self organize to form concentric bands or other patterns. The colors and arrangement of the microcrystals are influenced by changes in pressure, temperature, and mineral content that occur during the formation process. Unlike other gemstones, each agate is unique. Even slabs cut from the same specimen will vary in color and design.

HOW DO AGATES FORM?

Agates develop as secondary deposits in hollow cavities, called vesicles. Although they can form in all types of host rock, most of the world’s agates developed in ancient volcanic lava. When the continents were first forming, layers of molten lava pushed toward the earth’s surface through rift zone cracks, volcanoes, and other geologic events. Within the lava, there were pockets of trapped gases. Later, these gases escaped through cracks that formed as the igneous rock cooled and hardened, leaving hollow cavities. Other cracks and seams also formed when adjoining sections of lava cooled at different rates.

 

 

 

 

Agate Microcrystal Formation

 

These empty cavities and seams filled with fluids rich in dissolved and suspended quartz molecules (silica), as well as other mineral impurities. When the silica concentration became supersaturated, it developed a gelatin-like consistency either throughout the pocket or in a layer that served as the active crystallization front. Over time, the silica molecules began to form miniature fibrous microcrystals that attached to the sides of the cavity or seam. During the filling-in process other mineral impurities collected at the inside of the chalcedony silica band, forming intervening and often contrasting bands. This pattern repeated until the entire vesicle was filled in, or until all the silica rich solution was used up. If there was the proper balance of silica and mineral impurities, then the entire cavity filled with alternating bands. If there was an insufficient quantity of mineral impurity or if the pressures and temperatures changed, the cavity completed filling in with macrocrystalline quartz, or another form of silica.

AGATE CHARACTERISTICS

Physical Properties
Composition:SiO2

A selection of chalcedony agates.

Hardness:6.5 to 7
Specific Gravity:2.4 to 2.7
Refractive Index:1.530-1.540
Fracture:Conchoidal
Crystal Formation:Cryptocrystalline
Color:Varies including gray, blue, yellow, brown, black, white, and green.
Translucency:Varies from extremely translucent to opaque
Streak:White
Formation Temperature:122 to 572 F (50 to 300 C)
Tests:Insoluble, unless placed in hydrofluoric acid
Luster:Waxy
Porous:Yes
Melting Point:1,600 degrees C (2,912 degrees F)91

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF AGATE

People for thousands of years have believed that agates have metaphysical properties that enhance life and prevent or help cure all sorts of disorders. Some think that agates provide for balancing your physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual energies. Others report that agates stabilize and cleanse your aura and act to smooth dysfunctional energies and transform or eliminate negativity. A partial list of reported agate capabilities is below.

  • Prevents insomnia
  • Promotes pleasant dreams
  • Makes you more persuasive
  • Helps you to be less disagreeable
  • Helps cure skin diseases
  • Protects from danger
  • Promotes good agricultural crops
  • Diverts dangerous storms
  • Helps predict the future
  • Keeps the blood healthy
  • Relieves thirst
  • Helps you to be truthful
  • Encourages a broader perspective
  • Attracts good fortune
  • Increases concentration
  • Promotes good will
  • Is an aid in overcoming flaws
  • Helps eliminate bad luck
  • Calms fear and stress
  • Provides a sense of strength and courage
  • Stimulates fertility
  • Helps bone marrow
  • Relieves allergies
  • Enhances creativity

NOTE: Scientific proof is not available to verify the metaphysical properties listed above.

 

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