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Agate

Agate was first discovered sometime around the 3^rd or 4^th century (BC) by Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher who named the stone after the river in which it was found, ‘Achates’. The Achates River is located in Sicily, Italy, but the river has been renamed and is now known as the Dirillo River since then. Agate gemstones are one of the oldest stones in recorded history. Agate is known as a stone of protection, protecting one from nightmares, stress and fatigue. Since biblical times, agates have been worn and used in jewelry to protect against imminent storms. They were highly valued as talismans and amulet throughout ancient times.

Agate promotes inner stability, composure, and maturity. Its warm, protective properties encourage security and self-confidence. Agate stops the burning desires for things we do not need, and assists those juggling commitments or multiple jobs. It helps writers express ideas in marketable form, and helps young children learn to walk and not fall as they get older. Agate also promotes marital fidelity. Agate is useful as a protection amulet when traveling, and is especially effective against traffic accidents.

As a professional support stone, Agate stabilizes the imagination and inspiration of artists, provides personal security for police, telephone workers, cooks, chefs and bakers, and protection from falling objects for builders and construction workers. It provides physical strength and endurance for dancers, dentists, and environmentalists, and emotional endurance for educators and recreational workers

Agate occurs in wide range of colors and patterns. Although some colors occur more commonly than others, almost all agate will be multicolored due to unique banding. Single-colored agates are often traded using specific trade names, such as sard and carnelian. Agate colors can include black, white, blue, red, green, yellow, orange, brown, pink, purple and gray.

Care and treatment: Agate can be cleaned very easily using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Keeping in mind that agate is quartz and its hardness and durability, be sure to not use any other objects that are harder than agate for scrubbing or cleaning. As with most gemstones, you should not use any household chemicals when caring or cleaning your agate gemstone or gemstone jewelry pieces.

Agate is the birthstone of Taurus (Bull): April 20 - May 20