Foxfire Jewelers The Creative
Custom Jewelry Studio since 1985
2250 North Coast Highway Newport Oregon 97365
(541) 265-RING (541) 265-7464
Agate
"She is the
fairies midwife, and she comes
In shape no bigger than an agate stone
On the forefinger of an alderman"
William Shakespeare,
Romeo and Juliet Act 1, scene 5
Also known as Chalcedony, Agate's many
subspecies are distinguished by their colors and patterns. Tiny
crystals of Quartz interlock to form Agate, which is always opaque
to translucent because of this. Some types of Agate are:
Blue Chalcedony: Agate with a blue
solid body color. Example, Ellensburg Blue
Carnelian: Yellow-orange to orangey
red, translucent. Credited with turning away the evil eye,
strengthening
the spirit, and protecting from misfortune. Carnelian was also
thought to give courage to the timid, banish sadness, encourage
friendships and bring contentment.
Chrysocolla: Intense light blue or
blue-green Agate containing the mineral Chrysocolla.
Chrysoprase: Light to medium yellowish green,
translucent.
Was once considered to be a prized form of Jade.
Drusy: Agate cut with the natural surface
of tiny crystals retained (see at Left.)
Bloodstone: Dark green with dark red
spots, opaque. Legends say that Bloodstone was formed from drops
of Christ's blood as he was crucified. It was thought to have
the power to stop bleeding, give wisdom, and protect against enemies.
Blue Lace Agate: Lavender to light
blue with lacy white lines, translucent. Supposed to aid in
contemplation
and meditation.
Fire Agate: Iridescent colors against
a brown body color, translucent.
Jasper: Differing opaque colors, usually
green red or yellow. Also picture Jasper showing landscape like
patterns. Jasper had the attribute of bringing rain to drought
ridden lands, and of curing epilepsy and cancer.
Moss Agate: Brown or green inclusions
that look like moss or leaves, translucent. A helpful talisman
for the gardener, to ensure that plants would grow healthy and
strong.
Onyx or Sardonyx: Banded or solid color
opaque Agate. Offered protection from the evil eye and empowered
the mind and spirit. Also reputed to bring sexual bliss, and monetary
success to its owner, if it was worn at all times by its owner.
Petrified Wood: Wood that has been
replaced by Agate which follows the wood's structure.
Agate in general was thought to protect
and give courage to its wearer, and to help against bad dreams
and insomnia. Some sources credit Agate with preventing skin ailments
and cooling fevers. It is known in the Middle East that an Agate
pebble held in the mouth will relieve thirst.