If you like variety, then the agate is for you.
Agates are formed in many colors and
patterns. Due to their exceptional hardness,
they also have many uses.
Agate is found in nearly every color the
earth can produce, including colorless. It’s
also formed in a variety of patterns. For
example: agates can have banded layers,
stripes, ‘eyes’, specks or swirls. In addition,
some have fossilized inclusions. Others are
solid colored.
What Are Agates?
Agates are a quartz cryptocrystalline, classified as a variety of chalcedony
quartz. Its crystal structures are so fine, they cannot be seen under a
microscope. The material frequently forms within pockets of igneous,
sedimentary and metamorphic rock.
Meaning of Agate
Some people wear or carry agates to help
balance emotional, physical and intellectual
energy. They may help ground, strengthen
and protect the wearer.
A Little History…
Greek philosopher Theophrastus discovered
the stone around 300-400 BC. He named the
stone after the (then called) ‘Achates River’ in
Sicily, Italy. Agate is now mined all over the
world.
Archeologists have discovered agates with the artifacts of Neolithic people. It is
also believed to have been used as healing amulets and ornamentation as far
back as the time of Babylon.
Uses of Agate
The decorative arts use it to make beautiful jewelry, marbles, stone carvings,
home decor and more.
Industrial uses of agate exploit Its hardness,
ability to retain a highly polished surface and
resistance to chemical attack. It’s traditionally
been used to make bearings for laboratory
balances and precision pendulums,
according to Wikipedia.
Use in Jewelry.
Agate is ideal for just about any type of
jewelry design imaginable. It’s popular for
both men and women alike. Agate is harder
than most other material, so it is durable and
resistant to wear and tear. They’re widely
used in pendants, broaches, necklaces,
bracelets, cuff links, rings, charm bracelets
and anklets.
There are too many varieties and colors of agates to list here. However, here are
some that are particularly attractive in jewelry use: Lace and Crazy Lace, Fire,
Fancy, Carnelian, Onyx, brown, red, yellow, blue, pink and multi-color
DIY or Have It Custom Made
You can make your own jewelry with agates.
They’re available online at Ny6Designs
Beads and Jewelry Supply and at the store at
1023 S. Greenville Ave., Allen, TX.
Don’t know how to make jewelry? No worries.
You may want to take a class or inquire about
our custom-made jewelry service. Phone
214-509- 6700.
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