Agate

Agate is a form of quartz known for its wonderful colourful bands and "eyes". The stones used to be thought to have magical powers and were often used as a mystic talisman or amulet. It was also believed by some that agate had healing properties.

Today polished agate stones remain popular as pendants and you can also buy a variety of other agate jewelry including rings, necklaces and earrings.

Agate is found around the world and comes in a huge variety of colours and patterns. The main value of a stone to collectors is usually in the unique appeaeance of the individual rock and the way it's been used by the craftsman. Particular styles of agate have been given specific names including:

Banded

Blue

Blue Lace

Fire

Laguna

Moss

Plume

Agate can either be used as a whole stone or cut to reveal the bands of colour on a flat surface. As well as jewelry a frequent application of agate used to be in the making of bowls and the collection of these was a popular hobby in renaissance Europe.