BY CHISOM IBEMERE
Agate is a rock that comprises of Quartz and Chalcedony as the major components. It is unique with different colours and occurs in metamorphic and volcanic rocks. The word “Agate” was named by a Greek philosopher between 4th and 3rd century BC. The crystal occurs from the accumulation of siliceous groundwater deposits in rock cavities over a long period of time.
An Agate mineral shows varieties of colours. It can have different shades of a particular colour or combination of different varieties of colours. The variation in colours is a result of alternating silica composition, PH during the moments of crystalizations.
The Agate crystal formations occurs in the cavities of other rocks (Igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic rocks) in acid-neutral environments. Agate has different types and they are made up of different patterns and colours which are dependent on the Environmental factors during crystallization. The well known factors that influence the types of Agate that is formed are rock geochemistry, PH and the content of the ground water.
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Agate gemstone has both spiritual and cultural values. It is believed to have cleansing powers and helps to promote harmonious balancing of the mind, body and spirit.
Agate is the major material in hardstone carvings and had been in use for centuries for leather burnishing tools. They are useful for Ornamental purposes in making brooches, pins, Jewelries, marbles and seals. They are used for centuries in art and crafts. They are also used traditionally in making knife edge bearings for laboratory balances and precision pendulums and also in making mortars and pestles.
Agate gemstone has modest values. Their prices are determined by artistry and labour and not the value of the material itself. Agates that are large in size and distinct with fine and beautiful colour patterns are highly valued. Custom cut stones from collectible locations are prized and valued more.
Agates can be relatively cheap but also very expensive and this is dependent on the type of Agate, it’s colour and the location in which it is found. Tumbled Agates tend to be more expensive than the raw ones.
