Agates how they are formed and the believes around agates

Agates how they are formed and the believes around agates

Most agates occur as nodules in volcanic rocks or ancient lavas where they represent cavities originally produced by the disengagement of volatiles in the molten mass which were then filled, wholly or partially, by siliceous matter deposited in regular layers upon the walls. Such agates, when cut transversely, exhibit a succession of parallel lines, often of extreme tenuity, giving a banded appearance to the section. Such stones are known as banded agate, riband agate and striped agate.

In the formation of an ordinary agate, it is probable that waters containing silica in solution—derived, perhaps, from the decomposition of some of the silicates in the lava itself—percolated through the rock and deposited a siliceous coating on the interior of the vapour-vesicles. Variations in the character of the solution or in the conditions of deposition may cause a corresponding variation in the successive layers, so that bands of chalcedony often alternate with layers of crystalline quartz. Several vapour-vesicles may unite while the rock is still viscous, and thus form a large cavity which may become the home of an agate of exceptional size; thus a Brazilian geode lined with amethyst and weighing 67 tons was exhibited at the Düsseldorf Exhibition of 1902. Perhaps the most comprehensive review of agate chemistry is a recent text by Moxon cited below.

The first deposit on the wall of a cavity, forming the "skin" of the agate, is generally a dark greenish mineral substance, like celadonite, delessite or "green earth", which are rich in iron probably derived from the decomposition of the augite in the enclosing volcanic rock. This green silicate may give rise by alteration to a brown iron oxide (limonite), producing a rusty appearance on the outside of the agate-nodule. The outer surface of an agate, freed from its matrix, is often pitted and rough, apparently in consequence of the removal of the original coating. The first layer spread over the wall of the cavity has been called the "priming", and upon this base zeolitic minerals may be deposited.

Many agates are hollow, since deposition has not proceeded far enough to fill the cavity, and in such cases the last deposit commonly consists of quartz, often amethyst, having the apices of the crystals directed towards the free space so as to form a crystal-lined cavity, or geode.

On the disintegration of the matrix in which the agates are embedded, they are set free. The agates are extremely resistant to weathering and remain as nodules in the soil or are deposited as gravel in streams and shorelines

Here are some believes about agates. At Silver Hills Gems we do not believe in the magical qualities of stones but we include this just for interest sake.


As the astrologers say, Agate is the stone of Mercury, Venus, Moon and Saturn. If worn as an ornament, it brings luck to those born under the signs associated with the mentioned planets. The beads are classified as Talisman agate and amulet agate. The former sows self confidence in young minds and the latter curbs all kind of falsehood addictions. It is believed that keeping an agate bead under the pillow while sleeping will grant you sweet dreams. Also, wearing a ring with the black agate is known to make the wearer seductive.


Agate beads are believed to have amazing healing properties. People of Greece recommended wearing ornaments made out of these beads to those that badly suffer from ailments such as chronic cough, throat and dental diseases. Ancient-time agate stones used to have a picture engraved on them that symbolically represents a disease. For instance, if one suffering from migraine buys an agate bead having the image of a woman in loose hair and makes use of it in some way, his ailment will subside.


And yes, Agade beads have magical properties also. Sounds pretty interesting, isn't it? Farmers of ancient Rome strongly believed that Agate has the power to grow their plants well, no matter how adverse the weather conditions are. It also helps athletes to win as it is capable of suppressing unreasonable anger and gives them the necessary confidence and the winning energy. Black Agate has the property to protect one from danger, evils of the dark and it also brings a balance in his emotions.

Though it is the Romans that gave vibrant colours to the Agate beads, the credit of having used Agade stones for the first time in the making of seals, rings and decorative vessels goes to the Egyptians. Whatever may be the history, Agate stones have adorable properties that help the human race in some way. So, look no further. Get an awesome looking chain/bracelet made of Agade beads for you loved one and spread the love.