Agate is a semitransparent silicon oxide, which has been known to humanity for over 6,000 years. The mineral itself is easily distinguishable from other stones, as is has specific embedded markings as well as it offers incredibly rich colour palette. Naturally there are more than 150 different variations of this stone: ocellar agate (resembles an eye in appearance), moss agate (its markings look similar to moss in its form), fortification agate (multicoloured pattern looks like the old castle ruins), landscape agate (nature images), magical or black agate as well as many others.
Various legends are associated with agate. According to one of those legends, the fallen Lucifer on his way down to the hell lost an agate from his crown. Then the stone turned into the Holy Grail. As is known, the Grail became a vessel for the blood of Crucified Jesus. It is believed that if someone drinks from that vessel, that person will become an immortal being.
There are multiple agate deposits across the globe - in Russia, Poland, Ukraine, South America, Africa, England as well as in other places. The biggest deposits are located in Brazil and Uruguay.
Agate is an ornamental and semi-precious stone. Due to this fact, it is extensively used in jewellery. Besides, the mineral is also commonly used in the precision instruments industry. Its durability and viscosity make it suitable for producing tools for chemico-analytical works.
A landscape agate, unknown deposit
Agate, Uruguay
Agate, Saxony, Germany
Agate, unknown deposit
