Agate: Agate is a variety of Chalcedony and part of the quartz family. Chalcedony is transparent quartz that often looks milky or grayish. Chalcedony is of uncertain origin -- from the Greek word khalkedon, a mystical stone, or perhaps originating from Chalcedon, a port in Turkey where the first stones were said to be found
Chalcedony and agate are sometimes interchangeable, although the word agate is generally used when describing the banded varieties of chalcedony.
Most agates are formed as nodules in eruptive rocks, or ancient lavas. Individual agates form by filling a cavity in a host rock often result as a round nodule, containing bands like the rings of a tree trunk.
Agate is one of the oldest stones in recorded history and in ancient times was often prized as talismans and amulets for protection. Agates that were banded with colors were often used in ancient times to cure insomnia and promote dreams by placing them at the head of the person sleeping.
It's been recorded that agate has been used in jewelry since the time of Biblical Babylonian. Magicians in Persia were said to use agate to ward off storms. Agate bowls and objects were prized by the Byzantines and were collected by European royalty during the age of the Renaissance. Today you can find amazing examples of these agate carvings in museums all over Europe, including the Louvre.
Color: Agate can be found in a variety of colors and because it's banding varies so greatly, different types of agate have been given descriptive names. Many agates are naturally colored, but is it often dyed with bright colors. Fossilized or petrified wood is an attractive form of agate.
Birthstone: N/A
Zodiac or Magical Birthstone: Gemini
Signification: Agate is said to foster love, good luck, prosperity and protection. An overall general healer, Agate is said to be particularly helpful in calming and soothing the emotions and settling an upset stomach. Carrying an agate with you can be helpful when you need to make an important decision.