Rockhounds and mineral collectors alike delight at the stunning specimen that is the agate stone. Do you have an eye for contrasting banding lines? Can you appreciate diverse mineral composition?
Agate may be the perfect stone for your collection or interior design.
There are many reasons why agate is pleasing to the eye:
- Comprised of cryptocrystalline silica
- Forms rich colors in band patterns
- Distinguished by fine grains
- Mainly Chalcedony, a kind of stone with a waxy, transparent appearance
Agate Slice Interior Design Ideas
History of Agate
The agate stone was named after the Greek philosopher who first stumbled upon it on the shores of the Sicilian river of Achates almost 2,500 years ago. This appealing stone had been treasured by people for centuries before it was given the name “agate”, named for the waters in which it was discovered in modern times.
Agate can be traced back to early artistic pieces or “hard carvings” and for this reason it was extracted from many ancient sites all the way back to the Bronze Age. The most impressive pieces are carved decor, statuary and vases.
Why We Love Agate
Agate stone is formed out of the pockets inside volcanic rocks or old lava flow when the crevices, nodules and cracks fill with deposits of silica over the ages.
The stone itself is distinguished by impressive shades of natural colors and contrast in the band patterns it contains.
The characteristic band patterns—which begin at the center of the rock and move outwards like the rings on a tree—are visually dynamic. Each band is made up of different compositions of minerals, which can often be identified by the various colors present.
Agate comes in all shapes and sizes making it ideal as a statement piece in any room.
Benefits and Uses
Agate is a stone mysteriously linked to health and balance by meta-physicians who carry it to help calm the wearer.
If you are prone to excessive worry or are in need of a talisman of strength, agate is a great choice for promoting wellbeing. It also makes a stunning visual for home or office interior design.
Benefits of agate:
- Balance
- Harmony
- Protection
- Strength
- Aesthetically pleasing
Uses of agate:
- Many different colors to add to a mineral collection
- Small agate adds little accents to a room in places like next to a sink or on an end table
- Large specimens make great gifts and should be featured prominently for an earthy element in design
The Gift of Nature
Rockology specializes in Uruguayan and Brazilian agate and amethyst and loves to share the beauty that mother nature has to offer with fellow collectors and rockhounds. The holidays are coming, and agate makes the perfect gift for you and those you love. Contact us today for some assistance in purchasing the perfect gift.
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