Get ready to learn all about Agate stones, from geological facts to metaphysical healing properties. Watch the video and read up on this versatile crystal.
Naturally occurring in a variety of colors, patterns, and formations, Agate has been attracting healers since the beginning of time. From cooling Blue Lace Agate to grounding Brown Coffee Agate, there is a whole world of Agates to explore!
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Watch the Agate Meaning Video
Watch the Agate Meaning Video for an overview of this healing crystal, see examples, and go over your answers to your top 5 questions.
While you are there, watch the entire A-Z Satin Crystals Meanings video series. We answer your questions on all of the most popular crystals. You can also post your questions and stories directly to the Youtube comments.
Can you benefit from Agate crystals?
You may benefit from Agate crystals if you can relate to any of the following:
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You need more stability in your routine
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You are attracted to intricately patterned stones
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You are an avid rock collector
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You need a grounding crystal in your aura
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You seek work-life balance
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You want to disconnect from tech and connect with Earth
- You want a versatile stone for all of the chakras
What is Agate stone?
Agate stone is a variety of Chalcedony which grows in masses and is usually banded or patterned. It is formed from microscopic Quartz crystals forming in layered bands. These bands vary in thickness from stone to stone but are usually the same thickness in the same stone.
It is a harder stone at a 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness making it great for lapidary work. Agate stone is often carved and gives an excellent finish.
Sheila's personal experience with Agate crystal
Although I tend to gravitate towards bolder colors, there's something about the pale blue bands of Blue Lace Agate that draws me to its calm energies. I am constantly working on opening my Throat chakra, and Blue Lace Agate is a great stone to place at the throat or wear as a pendant.
Eye Agates are also intriguing to me because they are already shaped like eyes, making it easy for me to connect with my Third Eye chakra. Third Eye Agate stones were some of the first crystals we ever carried at Satin Crystals and my dad would tell the story of how they came from the holy rivers in India, polished by the flow of the tides. Each one is unique in its layers and colors, and hand-polished to a glossy finish for me to hold or put in my pocket.
As for Agate slabs, I like to place these on display stands and let the light shine through the stone's translucent bands. I use Agate slabs as plates or stands for other crystals, jewelry, and household decor. I also glue other stones to the slabs and create chakra plates, which can then be placed on my body and vibrated with a tuning fork for specific energy.
Lisa's personal experience with Agate crystal
It's funny reading Sheila's post above because I too like Blue Lace Agate and Agate Third Eyes! With so many varieties to choose from, I wanted to discuss my love of Dendritic Agate.
When I was first starting with crystals, I thought that Dendritic Jasper was Dendritic Agate. Agate and Jasper are both versatile and widely available grounding stones that come in so many colors and forms, that it used to be hard to tell them apart. As my expertise grew, I learned to differentiate between Agates and Jaspers. What I like about Agate is that it often has that opalescent slightly translucent quality.
When I hold Dendritic Agate in my hand, I feel like I'm being whisked away into a quiet and peaceful forest. This is great, especially considering I hardly ever make it out into nature. All I have to do is close my eyes, and suddenly the tree-like patterns in the Agate stone come to life in my mind. I am transported to a landscape of plants, birds, rivers, and animals. It gives me the energy of the Earth.
Another Agate that excites me is Brown Coffee Agate. I drink 1-2 double espressos each morning for medicinal purposes, so I have learned to love the coffee experience. Not only do I love the colors in Coffee Agate but I also like the adrenaline it gives me when I wear it in jewelry form.
In contrast, Blue Agate brings celestial and soothing energy of the sky. I really like spheres and nodules, which tend to be a bit darker than beloved Blue Lace. When I see Blue Agate in the sphere form, I have to scoop it up. They usually have rocky ridges and caverns. Blue Agate balls make excellent gazing spheres because they calm the mind enough to get visions and messages flowing.
Agate pick me up? Yes, please!
Have a jolt of Coffee Agate every morning wearing this stunning, banded brown bracelet.
What does Agate mean metaphysically?
Metaphysically, Agate has a stable and grounding quality. It is used to keep you in the present moment, grounded on this earth, and focused on what you have to accomplish here and now.
It is also a stone of vitality, stamina, and strength. So if you need extra earth energy, Agate may be the stone for you!
Each type of Agate will vary in its healing properties, but here is a general overview of Agate meaning in metaphysical terms:
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Agate provides stamina and vitality
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Agate balances sexual energy
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Agate brings emotional security
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Agate aids in astral travels
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Agate improves memory
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Agate is a very stable stone, centering and grounding physical energy
What are the uses of Agate in healing?
Since there are so many colors, types, and shapes of Agate, there are unlimited possibilities on how to use the stone in your everyday life, home decoration, and healing practices.
Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
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Lie in an Agate stone grid for a balanced circulation
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Wear Agate jewelry for self-esteem and confidence
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Give Agate stone to clumsy people for stabilization
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Use Agate when memory enhancement is needed
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Meditate with Agate spheres when astral traveling
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Place Agate geodes in the home for earthy decor
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Use Agate slabs as coasters for your drinks and charging stations for your crystals
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Place Blue Lace Agate on the eyes for tired eyes
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Wear Blue Lace Agate at the Throat chakra when you need to make an oral presentation
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Plant Moss or Tree Agate in the soil to help growth in pots and gardens
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Put Blue Lace Agate stones under your pillow or bed for a peaceful sleep
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Manifest with Agate eggs to see you smoothly through new beginnings
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Wear Agate earrings to balance your yin and yang energy
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Carry Agate amulets to use as worry stones and relieve anxiety
- Place Agate pyramids in each palm of your hands to circulate life force chi energy through your aura
How do you take care of Agate?
Agate can be cleaned under tap water. You could use a soft scrub brush as the stone is pretty stable. If it looks like a sturdy piece, you could even place Agate in an ultrasonic cleaner.
However, like all-natural gemstones, Agate should be handled with care. Hard impacts and harsh chemicals could ruin the stone.
Because Agate is okay in water, you can use any of the methods for cleansing crystals. For energetical cleansing, charging, and programming of stones, visit Crystal Care.
Does Agate break easily?
Agate does not break easily as it is harder on the Mohs Scale of Hardness than other gemstones.
That being said, it is still susceptible to breaks, chips, and scrapes, especially if you have a thin or pointy piece!
Can you leave Agate in the sun?
Agate can be left in the sun. Its natural colors are steadfast but can fade over a prolonged period in direct sunlight.
If you have a brittle piece of Agate, it may weather if left out too long.
When in doubt, leave your Agate in indirect light or short periods of direct light!
What birthstone is Agate associated with?
In the Traditional Birthstone list (as opposed to the Modern list), Agate is associated with May and the Zodiac signs of Taurus, Gemini, and Virgo.
If you or someone you know is born in these times, try Agate and see if you can vibe with its energies.
What are the different types of Agate?
There are numerous types of Agate stones for your collection. Here are some of the most popular ones followed by their metaphysical healing properties.
Black Agate is a dark stone that may show translucent, white, and brown bands.
In crystal healing, Black Agate is a stone used for practicality, protection, and grounding. Working with Black Agate focuses your energy on your inner strength, clearing negative thoughts and empowering your self-esteem.
Blue Lace Agate is the rarest and most sought-after of the Agate family for its graceful, white, and pale sky-blue colors created by Quartz crystals inter-growing through Chalcedony in cavities of volcanic rock.
In crystal healing, Blue Lace Agate is a peaceful stone of soothing harmony. It is associated with the Virgin Mary, an icon of Motherhood. In Scandinavia, Blue Lace Agate is connected to Nerthus the Earth Mother. Use Blue Lace Agate for open communication and articulate speech at the Throat chakra.
Botswana Agate has a translucent gray background with striking rhythmic patterns of brown and white bands. These are durable stones chosen for their hardness, fine lines, and contrasting patterns.
In crystal healing, Botswana Agate is a stone to use when focusing on the details of your task. Its undulating swirls help to calm your nerves and focus on your goals.
Brazilian Agate stone is translucent with lines and patterns. This is commonly a gray banded Agate that is dyed brilliant colors with permanent chemicals.
Brazilian Agate can be used for the stone's healing properties. For those who don't mind the enhanced colors, the bold gemstones will add a pop to the home, healing session, and wardrobe.
Brown Coffee Agate is a banded brown and white stone reminiscent of a fresh cup of brewed coffee.
In crystal healing, Brown Coffee Agate provides you with that jolt of motivation you need to get out of a rut and get moving towards your goals. Energize your Root chakra with this natural uplifter.
Crazy Lace Agate is also known as Mexican Lace Agate because it is found exclusively in Chihuahua, Mexico. This stone shows patterns, swirling bands, and wavy lines of cream, red and brown. Crazy Lace Agate gets its name from its complex patterns and colorful shades.
Use Crazy Lace Agate stones to come to terms with the eccentricities of yourself and others. It aids in confidence and embraces your fun and wild side.
Dendritic Agate is a translucent Chalcedony with dendrites. Dendrites are mineral inclusions that look like branching trees or plants. Dendrites make fascinating patterns in Agate stone.
In crystal healing, Dendritic Agate is used for growth and progress in a positive manner on your life path.
Eye Agate is also known as Fish Eye or Third Eye Agate. This is one of the first stones we used to offer at Satin Crystals. The natural layers of Chalcedony make it look like an eye.
Use Eye Agate for a positive outlook during difficult times. It is also used to ward off the Evil Eye.
Fire Agate is a popular form of the stone showing flashes of red “fire” due to thin layers of Limonite minerals. This glowing, iridescent orange and red stone may show spots of rainbow sheen and other magical inclusions.
Use Fire Agate to be inspired into action. In crystal healing, Fire Agate ignites the passions stored in your Root and Sacral chakras to revitalize your zest for life.
Green Agate varies from light to dark green. It fills the translucent stone with color but may show spots of white veins.
In crystal healing, Green Agate strengthens your Heart chakra to better give and receive love energy. It grounds your love so that you can easily bond with friends, lovers, and animals here on earth.
Flower Agate boasts colorful floral patterns within a translucent background. The crystal billows with bands, orbs, and sprays of inclusions.
In crystal healing, Flower Agate is used to deepen your connection with earth, animals, and the beauty that surrounds you. Root down into the energy of the planet with this mesmerizing stone.
Pink Agate is also known as Rose Agate, this stone is naturally pink and may show white, gray banded, and patterned inclusions.
In crystal healing, Pink Agate is associated with feminine, nurturing energy, and cultivating creativity.
Purple Agate comes in light lavender to deep royal purple tones.
In crystal healing, purple is all about spiritual energy, balancing your Crown chakra with the realms above. Combining the grounding energy of Agate with these purple hues gives you a feeling of wholeness.
Moss Agate is a translucent Chalcedony full of moss-like inclusions of Hornblende or Chlorite. The inclusions are usually green, but can also be found in other colors like purples and reds.
Use Moss Agate to rejuvenate your life energy, also known as Chi or Qi. This crystal can be used to balance the Heart chakra. Those feeling rundown from modern life will benefit from Moss Agate's earthy energies and bring forth new beginnings.
Tree Agate is also known as a form of Dendritic Agate. This stone is white with green inclusions produced by Manganese Oxide. Tree Agate is named for its green foliage pattern.
In Ancient Greece, Tree Agate was buried in fields to ensure a good harvest. Native Americans used Tree Agate to help connect with tree power. Gardeners like to use Tree Agate to cultivate plants.
Turritella Agate is a stone of brown masses embedded with ancient seashell fossil inclusions from the Green River Formation of Wyoming. Turritella Agate offers a glimpse back millions of years through its agatized spiral shellfish inclusions.
Use Turritella Agate to deal with change and come to terms with new beginnings. It is also a stone used in healing the Earth.
White Agate varies from a creamy opaque to a lustrous translucent white. It may show bands and interesting inclusions.
In crystal healing, White Agate is used for a serene energy. When you want to sit in peace with Earth and Higher Self energies, use White Agate to ground the Crown chakra.
Yellow Agate varies from opaque to translucent, pale yellow to deep mustard.
In crystal healing, Yellow Agate balances the Solar Plexus chakra. It harnesses the energies of sunbeams and the warmth of Mother Earth to provide you with a nurturing vibration.
How are Agates formed?
You will often find Agates formed within round stones known as geodes. These geodes are found as ball or almond-shaped nodules measuring from mere centimeters to many yards wide. Can you imagine the yard lengths of Agate?
Some Agate geodes are hollow in the middle, creating caves of Quartz or Amethyst points known as Druse (or Druzy). Some Agate geodes are solid with layers of Chalcedony. Very rarely, you will find Agate forming in the fillings of crevices in volcanic rocks.
It takes millions of years for Agates to form.
Where do Agates come from?
Agate is found abundantly worldwide and in many different forms.
Where does Agate stone get its name?
Agate stone gets its name from the Achates River (now known as the Dirillo) of Sicily by a Greek philosopher, Theophraste.
How do you identify an Agate stone?
The Agates that are most easily identifiable have clear and distinct bands. This is a result of layers of Chalcedony forming on top of one another. These stripes of colors are always occurring in Agate translucent stone.
That being said, Agate is found in many colors and many patterns. So although most Agates are translucent and have banding, there are exceptions.
If you are looking to gain expert knowledge over Agate stone, it will take some time and practice.
How can you tell if Agate is real or fake?
The best way to determine if your Agate is real or fake is to send it to a certified gemological laboratory. The next best way is to find a reputable seller who knows what they are selling you.
It is usually not worth it to send your Agate to a laboratory, and if you do not have access to a reputable seller, here are some tips to follow to tell if your Agate is real:
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Real Agate is a 6.5-7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. This makes it harder than stainless steel. It will not be scratched by stainless steel (which is a 5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness). Use your steel keys, knife, or scissors to scratch the surface of the stone. It should not scratch. However, other Quartz stones that may be imitating Agate won't scratch either.
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Real Agate has inclusions but will never have air bubbles. Air bubbles are an indication of glass. Use a magnifying jeweler's loupe to help you see into the stone.
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Real Agate is always cold to the touch. It will take a while to heat up in your hands and once you put it down, it will quickly turn cold again. However, glass and many other real gemstones are cold to the touch as well, so this technique may be used to rule out synthetics like plastic.
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Real Agate has earthy colors. If your stone has neon and unnatural-looking colors, it is most likely dyed. You may also see pooling of the dye in the cracks and bands of the stone.
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Real Agate is usually translucent. You should be able to see through the stone when held up against light. Some Agate pieces may be thick with inclusions and you may only be able to see through the translucent veins. Some Agates like Turritella and Tree Agate are naturally opaque, so you will have to use other tips to distinguish if they are real or fake.
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Real Agate will not have a seam. Some fakes will glue and then polish two glass plates with bands or moss-like inclusions in between to simulate Agate. They will show a seam where they have been cemented together.
You can also find more tips on the Crystal Identification Help.
Is Blue Lace Agate and Blue Chalcedony the same?
Blue Lace Agate and Blue Chalcedony are not the same stone. Along with white Quartz, Blue Chalcedony forms the blue layer in Blue Lace Agate.
There may be a fine line between these stones, but keep in mind that Agate is a form of Chalcedony (usually banded) but not all Chalcedony is an Agate.
Is Black Agate the same as Onyx?
Black Agate and Onyx are the same stone. They are both a form of banded Chalcedony and the terms are used interchangeably in the gemstone market.
True Onyx is a Black Agate with white bands. Black Agate can be all-black or show multiple colors of bands and patterns.
Beware when learning about Onyx, as there is a lot of false information out there about True Onyx. Learn more about Onyx Meanings.
What’s the difference between Agate and Jasper?
The difference between Agate and Jasper is that Jasper is always opaque. If you can see through the stone, it is not a Jasper.
Both Jasper and Agates are composed of Chalcedony. However, there are stones that you can find a fusion of Agate and Jasper and it is then known as Agate Jasper.
Learn more about Jasper Meanings.
What’s the difference between Agate and Bloodstone?
The difference between Agate and Bloodstone is that Bloodstone is always green, opaque, and does not have banding like Agate.
Bloodstone is a form of Jasper. It is usually green with Red Jasper inclusions. When you find additional colors, you may have a Fancy Jasper stone in your possession.
Learn more about Bloodstone Meanings.
What is Agate jewelry?
As the jewelry designer at Satin Crystals, Agate is a great stone for Sheila to utilize in jewelry making because it is so abundantly available. Each Agate bead is unique and eccentric in its personality.
Agate takes well to cutting, dying, and polishing. You will find all sorts of cabochons, beads, and cameos created from Agate. It is a relatively affordable stone. However, Blue Lace Agate will be a bit pricier than the other Agates because of its coveted color.
Because of its wide array of colors, patterns, and inclusions, customers always find something that will attract them to the Agate family.
Sheila loves wrapping up Agate slabs as pendants, sculpting Agate cabochons as rings, and beading colorful Agate on necklaces, bracelets, and earrings for bold, statement pieces that give wearers expressive, self-confident energy.
Agate Healing Stones in Fashion
Who said you have to make sacrifices when you choose to be healthy? With Sheila Satin's designer pieces, you can have fun and stay zed at the same time. Our top-selling piece in the Agate jewelry collection is this gorgeous Blue Lace Agate beaded bracelet. It's love at first sight!
The natural stone bracelet is custom-made with a sturdy stretch cord and can be ordered in the size that fits you perfectly.
Listen up, men and women- it's time to get crazy! Another audience favorite is Crazy Lace Agate.
Can Agate be worn Every Day?
Agate can be worn in jewelry every day by anyone. It is a durable stone and won't break easily. It comes in a variety of patterns, from discreet to outlandish to suit every outfit.
What are the mineral facts of Agate?
Here are some facts about this amazing mineral:
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Chemical Formula: SiO₂
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Mohs Scale of Hardness: 6.5-7
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Surface Color: Multi-Colored
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Streak Color (can vary from surface color, this is the color of the crystals’ powdered minerals): White
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Group: Silicates (silicon + oxygen)
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Cleavage (where the crystal breaks off naturally to form a new face, parallel to its structure. This is a clean break and can cleave over and over again along the same face, retaining the crystal structure): None
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Fracture: Conchoidal (clam-like concave like when glass breaks)
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Luster: Waxy
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Transparency: Transparent to Opaque
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Crystal System: Trigonal (3 equal axes @ 120’ to one another and a 4th axis perpendicular to the other three)
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Crystal Habit: Micro-crystalline or Massive (hunks of stone)
Is my Agate dyed or colored?
Your Agate may be dyed to bring out its patterns and deepen its colors. Sometimes you won't be able to tell because the process has become so sophisticated that your naked eye will not be able to spot the difference. Sometimes it is very easy to tell because the stones will be unnaturally bright blue, green, or pink.
Dyeing of Agates started way back in the Ancient Roman times, but it was perfected in the 1820s in Idar-Oberstein. If you are a rockhound, you will have heard of this famous German village known as the gemstone town. Idar-Oberstein is famous worldwide for its exclusive high-quality stone carvings, coloring, cutting, engraving, and sculptures.
Here in the United States, the Federal Trade Commission requires all gemstone alterations to be disclosed to the buyers. So, even if your Agate looks natural, a trusted seller will tell you if it was treated or not.
Which chakra is Agate?
Agate is popular to use at the Root chakra. In general, it is a grounding stone. However, different colors of Agate will correspond to different chakras, also helping to connect those energies to the Earth.
Here is an array of Agates you can use for the 7 chakras:
Crown Chakra: White Agate
Third Eye Chakra: Purple Agate
Throat Chakra: Blue Lace Agate
Heart Chakra: Green Agate
Solar Plexus Chakra: Yellow Agate
Sacral Chakra: Fire Agate
Root Chakra: Brown Coffee Agate
To learn more about crystals and your 7 chakras, visit the Chakra Guide.
Magical Incantation of Agate
This is a message from Agate from Doreen Virtue and Judith Lukomski's book "Crystal Therapy":
"The rivers of time immemorial circulate in the patterns of my being; and within my form, shadows dance in swirling movements, happily mixing colors, as though capturing a vision of ribbons moving upon the wind, framing an endless sky.
Those who enter my space of antiquity will find wisdom, confidence, and perspicuity. Ask us to assist, and without fail, one of us will step forward. Cousins abound in my clan, each unique, yet aligned with the power and strength of the earth elements. These members of my group share a personal perspective enriched by their experience and understanding, just as in your family. Take time to look at your relationships with eyes of compassion, asking that others share their history with you. Learn with an open heart."
Blue Lace Agate's Incantation:
"Calming in nature, I act as a buffer for sensitive individuals by keeping the chaos of daily activities at bay while establishing a peaceful environment within the self."
Botswana Agate's Incantation:
"The world extends in scope and beauty as you open in awareness. I'll help you release the burden of depression and despair so that you can look beyond yourself in moments of sorrow. Have faith- the Universe is a joyous place founded in love and based in harmony."
Crazy Lace Agate's Incantation:
"By blending Earth colors, I bring a balanced understanding of the physical realm, which translates into body attunement for those feeling ungrounded. Sit with me in contemplation to reestablish a sense of wholeness and well-being."
Fire Agate's Incantation:
"Use me to unlock feelings of trust and safety. Know that all is well in the world as fire, water, air, and earth combine in the wheel of understanding as they do in astrology."
Green Agate's Incantation:
"Renew your connection with nature when you gaze into me, for I reflect the refreshment found in solitude while walking in the woods. Ever peaceful, touch me to feel the centeredness of Mother Earth and bring that feeling of serene power into your life."
What does Agate mean in divination?
Drawing Agate during a gemstone divination session means: You need to come back down to reality.
Use your Agate stones to ground your energy back to the present moment. You may be dreaming too much of the future or reminiscing about the past. Agate can help you focus on the joy to be found right in front of you.
Where should I put my Agate in my house?
In your house, Agate can be placed wherever you want to feel a balance of energy. If you have a space that is lacking in natural elements, place Agate to connect with the outside world.
For Feng Shui energy, place Agate in your "New Beginnings & Family" space in the middle left area of your room or house. For more on placing crystals, visit How to Clear & Fill the Home with Crystals.
What color of Agate is for good luck and money?
Green Agate is used most often to attract good luck. Like its green crystal counterparts, Green Aventurine and Green Jade, Green Agate corresponds with the energy of abundance.
Wear Green Agate jewelry and carry Green Agate amulets with you to vibrate with the energy of wealth and good fortune.
Ready to buy Agate crystals?
Agate is a positive addition to your crystal collection. Shop the Agate Crystal Collection on the website or here on the blog:
Continue the Agate crystal journey
Are you ready to ground your energies with Agate? Continue on your Agate crystal journeys with the following guides:
Agate Shopping Guides
Agate Reference Guides
Helpful Crystal Resources
Do you have a favorite type of Agate?
What about a fun Agate experience to relate? Have questions about Agate stone benefits?
We would love to hear your positive comments and questions. Feel free to write to us below and we will get back to you.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for entertainment only. See full disclosure.
