Botswana agate is one of the most beautiful stones. It costs much more than its usual “relatives”, but not a single person will regret such a purchase after acquiring it. It can be found in decorative elements of exquisite rooms and in jewelry. Like ordinary agates that appeared in the Neolithic era, Botswana “stripe” is a fine-fiber chalcedony. It has a layered texture, a surface with a characteristic shine and can have different shades: from grayish to pink.
Agate mineral: photos, properties and description
Agate mineral photo
In mineralogy, agate is characterized as an aggregate of chalcedony, a translucent variety of quartz. This means that the stone is formed by layering fibers of one mineral rock.
Thanks to this natural phenomenon, the gem has many varieties. They surprise and inspire stone craftsmen with their color palette, diversity and uniqueness of cut patterns.
In addition to layered and banded gems (rainbow), jewelers include other types of translucent quartz here. They usually contain beautiful inclusions that form an unusual pattern. These are star agate, moss agate (dendritic agate), and bastion agate.
It is the alternation of layers of different shades that gives the mineral its special color. Usually it is white and blue-gray. But the stone also has an abundance of other colors.
And if nature mixed yellow, black, red, brown and other paints with white layers, then this type of agate has its own separate name (“swallowbird”, “owl’s eye”, onyx, porcelain, etc.).
All of them, as a rule, are opaque; only the edges, which have a smaller thickness after processing, can be seen through.
And each type of agate acquires an attractive “glassy” shine after polishing. It is not only the beauty of the gem that has made it a popular ornamental mineral.
The properties of the stone - agate is hard, durable, and resistant to acids - are used to advantage by jewelers, stone cutters, and decorators, skillfully combining fancy natural motifs.
Distinctive features of Botswana agate
This semi-precious ornamental stone is formed in igneous rocks. Botswana agate got its name from the place where deposits were discovered in 1971. This is the African state of Botswana. Currently, the largest known deposits of the mineral are located there. In addition, the gem is mined in Madagascar, Scotland, the Netherlands and Mexico. Botswana striped agate belongs to a group of rare natural agates.
In appearance and physical and chemical properties, the stone stands out among other minerals of natural origin:
- The main distinguishing feature of agate is its layered structure, which is formed during the process of sedimentation of rocks.
- The color range is the most diverse. “Stripe” shows shades of pink, beige and mustard. There are specimens of white, gray, sand or apricot color. The variety of colors is due to impurities of selenium, quartz, manganese and titanium.
- Botswana has a fairly high density. This figure is 2.57–2.64 g/cm3.
- The hardness of the stone on the Mohs scale is 7 points.
- There are both transparent agates and specimens that do not transmit light.
- A characteristic feature of the “African” is its intense shine.
- Botswana is solvent resistant. Strength and ease of processing are considered valuable properties.
Agate deposit
Agate deposits are large-scale, the stone is found both in sedimentary natural rocks and in igneous, volcanic rocks. The Urals in Russia, the Deccan Plateau in India, Janova Dolina in Ukraine, and Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany contain large deposits of agate. The mineral is also common in Crimea, Tajikistan, Armenia, Uruguay, and Brazil.
Varieties of agate: photos with names and descriptions
Frost Agate
Frost agate stone
The gray-white mineral got its name due to the intricate pattern on the cut of the stone, like on windows after a severe frost.
Rainbow agate
Rainbow agate stone
Found under the name iridescent. This unusual gem contains thin layers of chalcedony capable of splitting light into spectral rays.
This is a multi-colored stone that can change its palette under the influence of light.
Brazilian agate
Brazilian agate stone
received its name from the place of extraction. A beautiful almond-shaped mineral of grey-blue color. The size does not exceed 10 cm in length.
Jewelers sometimes tint Brazilian agate to give it richness and richness.
It is this variety that, after staining, retains its texture perfectly and the pattern is clearly visible.
Royal agate
Royal agate stone
is known as obsidian. A beautiful mineral with a spotted color.
The combinations can be very different, from black and dark gray to snow-white and rainbow layers and splashes.
Timan agate
Timan agate stone,
like Brazilian agate, is named after its deposit. It is mined in the Timansky Ridge highlands in Russia.
It is distinguished by large samples (up to 20 cm) and a variety of shapes (pear-shaped stones, round, cone-shaped).
Cutting them off makes it possible to admire the landscape pattern of a mountain landscape or gray-blue combinations of stripes, reminiscent of the atmosphere of white nights.
And if you’re lucky, you can find a Timan gem with a lilac glow; it is associated with the northern lights.
Eye agate
Ocellated agate stone
Sometimes jewelers and gemologists say “ocellited”, “owl’s eye”, “Aleppo stone”, which does not change the essence.
This is one of the most beautiful types of gem. The section shows how the concentric layers form a circle similar to the eye.
Agat dzi
Agate dzi stone
This is the name given to the gem after engraving a special design for the famous Tibetan beads.
Eyes, squares, stripes, wavy lines are artificially applied and symbolize ritual signs.
The teachings of Dzi are older than Buddhism and are associated with shamanism. Therefore, beads made from such agate carry magical powers.
Varieties of gems
The mineral is found in nature in different forms . The species determines the color and pattern that is present on the cut. Some varieties have their own names, although they are considered agates.
Subspecies such as sardonyx or onyx belong to independent classes. The appearance of the minerals is distinguished by alternating bright colors. Thus, sardonyx is characterized by layers of yellow, red, and orange tones. They form a kind of pattern.
A rare variety of agate, sapphirine, is prized. It has a blue tint and looks like a real precious sapphire.
Sapphirine
Experts classify agates according to their pattern. The name of the subspecies speaks for itself. The main groups include:
- Frosty . The stone is white. The pattern resembles the pattern that remains on the windows during frost.
- Fiery . The composition contains hematite. It creates the illusion that there is a fire burning inside the sample.
- Cloud . The pattern is similar to airy, fluffy clouds.
- Landscape . Amazing view. The drawing on the stone depicts wonderful natural scenes.
- Floral . This includes agates of red, yellow and brown colors. The inclusions are original images of flowers.
- Buddha's Eye . It has a bright brown hue.
- Spot . Contains the smallest inclusions. The drawing consists of dots.
- Swallowtail . Characteristic stripes are observed on the surface of the samples.
- Glazkovy . The design consists of circles that resemble eyes.
- Rainbow . A very beautiful specimen. This is a multi-colored mineral. Has the ability to change shade. This feature depends on the angle of inclination.
This is not a complete list of mineral varieties. There are a lot of them. This circumstance allows craftsmen to choose a type depending on the purpose they pursue when creating a product.
Agate stone in history and culture
Agate natural stone photo
Archaeological finds of many products made from this gem confirm its ancient origin. There is evidence that stone has been decorating the life and appearance of people since the Neolithic era. And mysterious legends that have come down from different cultures only enhance the charisma of the gem.
According to one of them, the heavenly light eagle, a symbol of universal goodness, died in a battle with evil spirits. And falling to the ground, it turned into a large beautiful stone. Thus, a fair eye was buried deep in the earth, keeping order and protecting people. This meaning of the agate stone has been preserved to this day.
In Roman mythology, this mineral is nothing more than the petrified tears of the deity Pluto, the ruler of active volcanoes. There are many such legends, and it must be admitted that the stone is deservedly glorified. Largely due to its popularity and accessibility, jewelry making developed at that time.
Mesopotamian craftsmen created intaglios - special decorations similar to cameos. Their peculiarity is that the relief was created not convex, but in-depth. This made it possible to use intaglios as personal seals.
Alexander the Great himself was a fan of the gem; he contributed to the flourishing of ornamental craftsmanship in the 4th century. BC. And in Syracuse, the interiors of famous Sicilian palaces dating back to the 3rd century were decorated with stone. BC.
The real agate boom began in the 11th-13th centuries. The stone carvers D. Pisano and the Vittorio brothers, who worked at this time, left real masterpieces from the mineral agate.
Agate decoration
These are mostly skillfully hand-made cameo gems. The original collection of such jewelry was collected by Catherine II. She called her passion “kamo disease” and bought unique items in Paris.
So in 1787, the family collection of gems of the Duke of Orleans was acquired. Today this is the basis of the real agate treasury of the Hermitage. It was also supplemented by the creations of the famous Faberge.
In addition to intaglio seals, he carved buckles, wonderful bottles, boxes and other utensils from stone. In the highest circles, even a fashion for agate jewelry began, to which many great people succumbed, among them Byron, Napoleon, Pushkin.
Modern man is also pleased not only with the usual accessories and jewelry made from this gem. Brown agate, yellow and other natural shades of stone are used to create abstract paintings from landscape cuts of agate.
Beautiful panels made of semi-precious chips decorate exquisite interiors. And, perhaps, after thousands of years, these agate creations will give descendants the opportunity to enjoy the mysterious world of unusual lines and shapes of a stone miracle.
This is interesting
There are a lot of interesting facts associated with agate:
- Thus, experts say that there are more than 150 types of agates in the world. It is impossible to find two absolutely identical specimens.
- Agate was first written about back in 372-287. BC. The work belongs to Theophrastus. This confirms the fact that the stone has been known since ancient times.
- The ancient Egyptians put a pebble in their mouth instead of a candy. Agate saved them from thirst.
- A bowl made of solid agate is kept in Vienna. Its diameter is 75 centimeters. There is a unique product in the treasury of the Hofburg.
- In Greece, a ring with agate was taken on a long journey. The ring guaranteed good, clear weather for the traveler.
Magical properties of agate
Red agate stone
For different peoples, the meaning of the agate stone was in one way or another connected with prosperity.
Among the Egyptians, the gem symbolized the generosity and fertility of the earth, among the Hindus it was the path to enrichment, and in Medieval Europe it symbolized health and protection from witchcraft.
It was given to each other by lovers before separation. It was believed that the stone would help to remain faithful.
It is not for nothing that in the peculiar hierarchy of weddings there is also an agate, fourteen-year anniversary of family life.
Naturally, the best gifts for her are things made from this stone.
The magical properties of agate stone are strong and largely depend on the color of the stone.
Milky white is a talisman for children, protecting them from dark forces. Symbolizes peace, spiritual kindness. It also helps to gain confidence.
Gray agate is the gem of justice. It reconciles people, helps resolve conflicts, eliminates rancor and any unkind thoughts.
Blue stone is prescribed for creative and energetic individuals. It stimulates the ability to act, encourages inspiration and creation.
Purple agate expands mental capabilities and gives courage in solving difficult tasks and complex issues.
Smoky agate is an assistant in finding the meaning of life and trust in others.
The red gem attracts love like a magnet and serves family well-being.
People involved in trade and business should first acquire the yellow mineral. It also defeats depression, attracts an optimistic attitude and fun.
Black gem is the most magical and healing. It was and is used in many religious rituals, so it has absorbed the most powerful force. This is the best amulet and energy drink.
Apricot agate (aka Botswana) removes damage, serves as a shield from external negativity, and helps overcome grief and despondency.
Thus, thanks to the diversity of its types, agate stone exhibits magical properties widely and with great benefit to humans.
Talismans and amulets
The protective properties of agate have been valued at all times. It is a reliable talisman on the road. Once upon a time this was used by sailors, today - by motorists, hanging a stone in the car, and by travelers, taking it with them.
During the Renaissance, stone was considered the patron of craftsmen. In the modern world, creative individuals and all kinds of handicraftsmen often resort to its help to attract inspiration.
The color of agate largely determines its patronage:
- White is a talisman for mothers and their children.
- Blue is a source of inspiration in creativity, an activator of brain activity, which is important for scientists, researchers, teachers and students.
- Yellow is a talisman for travelers, a source of physical strength for athletes, a motivator for businessmen.
- Yellow-brown or yellow-brown is indispensable in finding associates, friends and helps to enlist the support of influential people.
- Green - suitable for those who practice yoga, and will also become a judge for disputants, helping to reveal the truth and unravel the most tangled tangle.
- Gray-brown is an amulet for those who put career above all else.
- Red is the patron saint of lovers and family men.
- Violet is a psychic stone that helps open the “third eye.”
- Black is an assistant to magicians and sorcerers.
The person's name also affects the liking of the agate. He especially patronizes Anatoly, Victor and Boris, as well as Nadezhda and Irina.
Healing properties of agate
Ring with agate
The healing properties of agate have been discovered for a very long time. Ancient people believed that the more saturated the color of a gem, the stronger its healing function. And it “works” in direct contact with the human body. Bright, juicy pebbles have a beneficial effect on the general immune system and strengthen it.
During the era of “cameo” agate fashion, gems with a symbolic image of the disease were popular. For example, the bare-haired maiden on the cameo represented migraines and other ailments associated with the head. They were worn to avoid or drive away unwanted headaches.
In lithotherapy, it is recommended to use the gem for various fevers, kidney diseases and insomnia. Serves as an excellent preventive measure to avoid damage to vision.
Normalizes the mineral and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract; it is indicated for those who are prone to frequent cramps. The mineral affects the psyche: relieves stress, attacks of irritability. It has also been noted that the owners of this gem are eloquent and pleasant conversationalists.
All these miraculous therapeutic properties of agate stone appear if it is natural - of natural, and not laboratory origin. Also, to enhance the effect of agate therapy, you need to wear jewelry with it correctly.
Necklaces, pendants, and string beads are worn for sore throat or chronic cough. The brooch will relieve asthma, pulmonary and bronchial ailments. For aching and tooth pain, agate earrings are recommended. Gout, arthritis and other joint diseases are alleviated by gems in bracelets.
What names is it suitable for?
The energy characteristics of the stone are closest to men with the names Anatoly, Boris, Victor, Gennady, Dmitry. It will also suit women with the names Alla, Irina, Antonina, Clara, Lyudmila. For everyone, it is a stone of health, supporting the functioning of many organs. His magic gives them all confidence, makes them insightful and sociable. Helps you make the right decisions and remain faithful in relationships.
In addition, Anatolia will protect you from deception, awaken your imagination, and bring good luck. Boris will be taught to make the right decisions and will add to his charm. Victor will direct his energy to the right things and act wisely. Gennady will get rid of anger, resentment and negative energy. It will help Dmitry cope with anger and find a way out of any situation.
For Alla, the agate stone will manifest its magical properties as a symbol of longevity, health, and prosperity. Irina will boost immunity and cleanse the blood. A light pebble will increase feminine strength and add attractiveness. It will give Antonina confidence and protect her from mistakes. It will calm Clara, strengthen her body and spirit, and protect her from deception. Lyudmila will give health, reward with calmness, gentleness and kindness.
Who is suitable for agate stone according to their zodiac sign?
Magicians and astrologers associate the mineral with the element of Earth. Patron planets of the stone: Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Moon.
Most of all, the gemstone loves and protects the representatives of the constellations Cancer, Taurus and Gemini.
Calf. For stubborn and irritable Taurus, the gem, especially gray agate (a symbol of balance), teaches patience and complaisance, helps to suppress anger, and be less irritated. A stone of blue shades is useful for slow and boring natures; it stimulates their activity and agility. This quality of Taurus, such as a thirst for enrichment, will be fully realized if you acquire a black amulet in time. It will increase the flow of finance and help you respond to obstacles in this process in a timely manner.
Twins. The dual nature of this sign needs such a talisman. Agate as a precious stone will not be a simple decoration: it will give Gemini the calmness and sobriety of judgment that Gemini needs. A cool head is what the unpredictable natures of this sign need in making the right decisions, be it business or love.
Cancer. This sign is characterized by creative thinking and a desire for creativity. Agate influences the creativity of Cancer better than other stones. At the same time, it strengthens faith in one’s own strength, since Cancer often doubts the correctness of the choice and is often dissatisfied with the result of his business. The gem will help to cope with suspiciousness, timidity, and will make the vulnerable Cancer more resilient. Cancer needs this talisman to develop its best qualities and live calmly and happily.
Virgo. Representatives of this constellation can fully count on an agate talisman if the search for a soulmate has taken too long or is simply unsuccessful. But in the future you don’t need to give up wearing the stone: it will help regulate peace and mutual understanding in the family.
Zodiac signs Aries, Scorpio and Capricorn succumb to the magic of agate. For them, the gem is a source of physical and spiritual strength; it will help them become more friendly and hospitable.
As you can see, the important function of this ancient, wise and beautiful stone is to maintain physical and mental health. Therefore, it should be worn correctly: with knowledge of who the agate is suitable for, with a clear understanding of what it is needed for.
Price
How much an agate costs depends on its variety, weight, and degree of rarity. Jewelry gems are valued at up to $2 per gram, with a maximum of $110–220 per stone. The price for individual pieces is set as for the stones of the first row.
For example, for Dzi beads made by the monks of Tibet, they ask for several thousand in the same currency. And no wonder: they are considered a powerful magical artifact, just like the brown “Buddha’s Eye” used by professional fortune-tellers.
Those into whose lives agate has entered do not regret it. It's not hard to collect a collection of fancy, patterned stones and be proud of it. Or use a powerful amulet according to your horoscope for peace of mind and health.
How to wear agate
Perhaps everyone knows that all natural stones, including agate, have a lot of properties. The rules for wearing agate are mainly associated with them.
However, this is not the only criterion that determines how to wear agate.
You should not ignore such an important criterion as the combination of agate with the style of clothing, with other jewelry, and compliance with time and place.
How to wear agate stone correctly:
- As for its compatibility with clothing, due to the variety of colors of agate, it can be worn under many things. But style also plays an important role. Agate is a noble stone, so it is better to combine it with classic clothes, and in other cases, wear it as an amulet, you can even do it without anyone seeing it;
- Fashion trends are constantly changing and dictate new rules to us, however, agate has been a fashionable and popular stone at all times. Today, agate is also popular, no less than other stones, and medallions, rings, and beads made from it never go out of fashion. Agate jewelry looks very stylish, especially in combination with classic clothes, clothes in a business, formal style;
As for how to wear agate in accordance with its properties, there are the following recommendations:
- The properties of agate (especially healing) are enhanced if it is set in copper. However, if the purpose of wearing agate is purely aesthetic, then this mineral looks good in both gold and silver;
- If you need to get rid of cough, dental diseases, throat diseases, then you should wear agate beads;
- An agate necklace worn at the base of the neck will help get rid of thyroid diseases. But if it is a little longer, it will have a beneficial effect on the heart and lungs;
- Agate jewelry can also be worn on the waist - first of all, this applies to women. In this case, it will influence the normalization of the functioning of the female reproductive organs, as well as the functioning of the kidneys and spleen;
- Agate bracelets also affect the functioning of the reproductive organs when worn on the wrist. But bracelets worn between the shoulder and elbow joints will affect the functioning of the heart and lungs;
- It also matters how you wear earrings with agate. If the stone is adjacent to the lower part of the earlobe, it will help improve memory and brain function. It is important to remember that wearing an agate also depends on whether it is natural or not, so it is important to be able to distinguish real agate from a fake;
How to recognize a fake stone
The main ways to distinguish an original from a fake:
- Scratch the mineral with a needle. If it is real, there will be no traces left. A seller who is confident that his product is made with natural stone will allow this experiment to be carried out.
- Hold the object in your palms. A natural mineral will warm up in your hands for a long time, while an artificial one will quickly take on the heat of your body.
- Examine the stone. Real Botswana agate comes in many shades. A uniformly colored gem cannot be natural.
- Place the mineral in water for 6-8 hours. If its appearance changes, the stone becomes dull, it means that you have a counterfeit in your hands.
An important criterion for determining the authenticity of a stone is the price: the original cannot be cheap. Find out the official market value and compare it with the amount requested by the seller.
On which finger to wear an agate ring?
- If we are talking about Gemini, then it is better to wear an agate ring on the ring finger. As for Taurus, they are recommended to wear agates on the middle finger. At the same time, it needs to be framed in noble metal. In all other cases, it is better to wear agate on the index finger;
- It is not recommended to wear agate in an ensemble with amazonite;
- When wearing agate, you should also focus on your zodiac sign. Agate has the strongest friendship with Taurus. However, it can also be worn by Gemini, Aries, Capricorn, Libra, and Cancer.
Where is it mined?
The stone is found on all continents, including Australia: the USA, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Russia. Good Asian gems come from Myanmar and India.
There is an unusual deposit on the ocean coast near the island of Madagascar. Madagascar agate is a type of eye stone, iridescent, with a bright concentric pattern. It is in particular demand due to its translucency; a completely transparent specimen can also be found. In the north-west of Russia, in the Timan Ridge region, Timan agate is mined.
Several more varieties are named by place of origin:
- Botswana - one of the most expensive, gray or pink;
- Brazilian - filigree pattern of concentric layers of white, gray and brown;
- Indian - a mixture of green and brown;
- Tibetan agate – black and white striped.
How to care for agate
- Caring for agate involves, first of all, protecting the stone from mechanical damage, as well as from damage that can be caused by chemicals contained, including in household detergents;
- Agate needs rest. Every day you need to remove the agate jewelry and let it rest for at least a few hours. At the same time, at least once a month it should be immersed in cold water for several minutes.
Features of stone care
Since the main task of Botswana stone is to absorb negative energy, it should be in the most visible place at home. If you wear the stone regularly, you need to give it a rest once every seven days, putting it in a dark and secluded place - for example, in a box or a specially designated container. It is better to put a velvet cloth inside to prevent scratches on the stone.
Periodically it is necessary to rinse the product or pebble under running warm water. This will help cleanse it. After contact with water, you need to wipe the mineral with a dry and soft cloth.
Botswana agate is a rare representative of chalcedony, each of which has a unique color shade and unique pattern. If you look closely, you can independently unravel its meaning or the message addressed by the universe especially to you.
