BLACK AGATE
Grounding & protection
Agate is named after the Achates river in Sicily, which is now known as the Dirillo River. Agate can be found in numerous colours, and often feature incredible bands and patterns running through the stone. Black Agate is often mistaken for Black Onyx, but is easily recognised by the white and grey bands running through the stone, as well as its waxy outer when unpolished.
BLACK AGATE
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SYMBOLISM
The Black Agate symbolises groundedness, calmness, concentration, and protection. The black agate is said to be a calming gemstone, helping you to relieve yourself from worries and improve concentration.
Learn more about symbolism in our extensive gemstone encyclopedia
SPIRITUALITY
Black Agate is said to have a powerful effect to help keep you grounded – even through stressful situations. Some also say that it contains protective powers, which makes it a great gemstone to wear in your everyday life.
Black Agate is connected to the root-chakra, which is the first chakra in our system and our connection to the earth. This chakra is connected to grounding, sense of security, and stability. Wear Black Agate when you need to ground yourself and standing your ground.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR BLACK AGATE JEWELLERY
To best take care of your jewellery with Black Agate, keep the stone away from direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time, since this may cause the colour to fade. Also avoid heat around Agates, as this also may fade the colour or cause cracks in the stone.
Clean your Black Agate jewellery in warm water with a mild soap, and brush with a soft brush.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The agate has long been a beloved gemstone - during the European renaissance, it was popular among royals to collect bowls cut from agate. Ancient Greeks called the black agate for the ‘warriors stone’, and belived it had protective powers. Persian magicians donned black agate rings, as they believed it could make them more powerful magicians. Other cultures believed that agate could cure scorpion stings and snake bites.
LORE & LEGENDS
The black agate has been mythically associated with nature. Texts from ancient Europe show that black agate was then tied around the necks or horns of animals to produce more and better crops.
In ancient China, agate was considered to be a particularly auspicious gemstone. In Chinese, the agate is called "Ma Nao", which means "horse brain", as it was believed that the agate came from the brain of a petrified horse.
BLACK AGATE'S GEMMOLOGY
Agate consists of alternating layers of chalcedony that appear as bands of different colors. Chalcedony is formed from microscopic quartz crystals, making agate part of the quartz family. Thin slices of agate can make some layers appear translucent, but generally other cuts will make the gemstone appear opaque. Agate comes in a wide range of colours, with the color being determined by elements such as manganese and iron oxide in the gemstone. Agate's hardy nature also makes it possible to artificially dye the gemstone in beautiful colours. Agate is categorized at 7 according to the Mohs scale of hardness.
BLACK AGATE
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RUTILE QUARTZ
Development & independence
SMOKEY QUARTZ
Calm, stability & purification
MALACHITE
Loyalty, balance & wisdom
CHAMPAGNE QUARTZ
Clarity & manifestation