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Agate

No gemstone is more creatively striped by nature than agate. This distinct and dramatically banded variety of chalcedony is composed of quartz layers. This composition varies greatly and can be of many colors. The other chalcedony family, jasper, has less-regular patterns and is less defined than the agates. Another difference between the two is that agates tend to be translucent (or at least contain translucent bands), while jaspers are generally opaque. This distinction stems from agate being composed of microscopic "fibers" of crystalline quartz while jasper is made of microscopic "grains" of crystalline quartz. Each individual agate forms by filling a cavity in a host rock. As a result, agate is often found as a round nodule with concentric bands like the rings of a tree trunk.

In ancient times, agate was highly valued as a talisman or amulet. It was said to quench thirst and protect from fever. Persian magicians used agate to divert storms. Some believed that agate would render the wearer invisible, and due to its strength and durability, it is used for making ornaments or for astrological purposes. Agate is a cooling stone and is said to cure insomnia, protect against danger, promote strength and healing, and ensure a healthy life. The major sources of agate are Australia, Canada, Mexico and the U.S.A. The gemstones of Maryland (Patuxent River Stone), Minnesota (Lake Superior agate) and South Dakota (Fairburn agate) are all agates. Find out about individual types of agate in our Gemstone Index.


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  • Dakota Stones Blue Crazy Lace Agate 12mm Coin Bead Strand Dakota Stones Blue Crazy Lace Agate 12mm Coin Bead Strand

    Dakota Stones Blue Crazy Lace Agate 12mm Coin Bead Strand

    Dakota Stones
    $11.95
    Beautiful blue hues fill the blue crazy lace agate 12mm coin beads from Dakota Stones. Available by the strand these circular coin-shaped beads feature bright blue color swirled with white and the occasional hint of green. These beads are perfect for...
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    $11.95
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  • Dakota Stones 25mm Terra Agate Dyed, Heated Puff Coin - 15-Inch Bead Strand

    Dakota Stones 25mm Terra Agate Dyed, Heated Puff Coin - 15-Inch Bead Strand

    Dakota Stones
    MSRP: $27.00
    $24.25
    A beautiful blend of earthly color fills these terra agate beads from Dakota Stones. These beads feature a mix of greenish-blue and brown, creating Earth-like patterns with the brown spaces like continents in the vast ocean. Terra agate is a form of...
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    MSRP: $27.00
    $24.25
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  • Dakota Stones Blue Lace Agate 4mm Faceted Coin Bead Strand

    Dakota Stones Blue Lace Agate 4mm Faceted Coin Bead Strand

    Dakota Stones
    $22.45
    Elegance shines in these Dakota Stones blue lace agate beads. These small gemstone beads feature a circular shape with a puffed edge and a checkerboard faceted face. The surface catches the light in a multitude of directions. The stringing hole is wide...
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    $22.45
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