Agate

Agate belongs to quartzite materials and is composed of a mixture of crystalline and finely fibrous quartz - chalcedony and opal. It is characterised by concentric, wavy or horizontal striations. According to the type of pattern, specific types of agates have been given special names. They are, for example, lightning, ochre, ruin, star, coral, moss or house. In some cases, agates also contain other minerals such as calcite, dolomite, goethite, limonite, barite, chlorite, manganese oxides, chrysocolla or pure copper wires. Crystals of varieties of quartz, more rarely calcite, can often be found inside unfilled geodes.

Agates are usually found in volcanic rocks where they fill cavities left by escaping gases or inside fissures as vein material. The banding of agate can be in shades of white, grey to black, and bright and pastel colours are common throughout the spectrum. Other characteristic features include a shelly refraction, a glassy to oily lustre and a hardness varying up to a Mohs scale grade of 7.

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Locations in the Czech Republic: Podkrkonosi (Kozakov, Doubravice, Morcínov, Levin), Ore Mountains around Medenec (Horni Halze), Barrandien, Milevsko, Nachod, Moravska Trebova, Pribor

Locations abroad: Brazil, Germany, China, Morocco, Malawi, Turkey, Hungary, Argentina, Madagascar, Mexico, Bulgaria, France, Iceland, Italy, Poland, Slovakia and others

Possibility of confusion: often dyed (deep pink Brazilian agates), calcite, aragonite and chert - soft minerals, layered vein fluorite - soft

Astrology: Taurus, Scorpio

Chakra: predominantly base, fiery - forehead and third eye chakra

Esoteric qualities: symbolizes belonging to nature, awakens imagination and creativity, gives courage and perseverance, strengthens the instinct for self-preservation, protects from unwanted influences, teaches noble conduct, helps to learn from criticism, protects from false friends.

Health esoteric properties: helps protect expectant mothers, reduces fever and relieves febrile infections, soothes pain and helps prevent allergic reactions, relieves depressive states, moderates aggressive behavior, promotes metabolism.