Blue agate (Sapphirine)

Blue agate is famous for its delicate colors and smooth outlines. Its unusual palette, which alternates blue, white and yellow-brown, has long attracted the attention of lovers of natural stones. There is an opinion that in addition to its beautiful appearance, blue agate also has interesting magical properties.

Blue agate stone

History and origin

How agates were formed has not yet been precisely established.

Since ancient times, this blue stone has been used to make seals, jewelry and vessels. Eyes were made from agate and placed in the sockets of the statue to ward off dark forces. So history has known this mineral for quite a long time.

Previously, it was believed that it helps in the treatment of spider and scorpion bites, medicines crushed in agate mortars cure diseases, and rings with this mineral contribute to the development of eloquence and success in sports. These statements were subsequently found to be incorrect.

Pliny the Elder suggested that the name comes from the Achates River in Sicily, another interpretation is from the Greek word meaning “good”, “kind”, “happy”. The name Agatha comes from the same word.

Where did it come from and what is blue agate famous for?

Agate itself is a variety (aggregate) of chalcedony, which appears as a mineral with a complex layered structure of thin fibers. Unique coloring and originality is achieved due to the formation of layers in the mineral in the form of stripes, evenly following each other.

According to historians, the first mentions of agates and chalcedony arose in the era of Ancient Greece, where they quickly found use not only as jewelry, but also in construction.

As one legend says, during a long journey, the Greeks in 680 BC approached the shores of Asia Minor in the Bosporus Strait to found a new city. They named their new kingdom Chalcedon. It was there that amazing specimens of agate were found on the coast and received this name.

This is just one of the beautiful hypotheses for the appearance of stones. The mystery of their origin has not yet been fully elucidated.

Agate has always been popular and will continue to be popular for a long period of time, as its interesting magical, healing and “leadership” properties do not go unnoticed. For example, such outstanding personalities as Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin and Alexander the Great always carried it with them.

Some representatives of the most beautiful and unique blue agates can be seen in the photos below.

What is sapphirine

Probably some kind of stone, you say... But no, you didn’t guess. It is actually a term that refers to the art of jewelry and trade. It means specially selected into a special variety of chalcedony of a light blue color with various shades, that is, blue agate. It is often used during sales by merchants and jewelers to give “status” to both the stone and to show the professionalism of the craftsman or seller.

I hope you found this information very useful, and now you can also “flaunt” your knowledge. This term also implies its isolation to designate a trade brand.

Physicochemical characteristics

The hardness of the mineral is average, closer to high. The shine on a fracture is matte or greasy, on a polished surface it is glassy. Resistant to acids. This is a type of quartz.

COMPOSITION AND TYPES

Blue agate is a beautiful rare stone, one of the types of chalcedony. Consists of layers of silica (a compound of silicon and oxygen). Formed in mountain depressions. Each layer of stone has its own shade and different thickness, due to which intricate patterns are created.

Depending on the patterns, the following types of mineral are distinguished:

• eye stone - it is decorated with circles in the shape of an eye;
• dendritic - a cut of such a mineral resembles the annual rings of a tree;
• openwork lace agate – the blue ornament on the cut looks like lace. Very beautiful earrings and beads are made from it;
• feathery stone - dotted with a pattern similar to feathers;
• and etc.

Blue agate is a volcanic rock that is extremely rare. It is believed that a person who finds it in nature is very happy.

Gemstone or not

In jewelry production there are:

• precious stones, they are used in the manufacture of jewelry;
• ornamental minerals intended for the production of artistic stone carvings (boxes, watches, as well as other souvenirs and decorations).

Blue agate belongs to the group of ornamental gems.

Production (Fields)

Blue agate is found quite rarely in nature: on the surface of mountains or underground. We recommend: TOP 11 varieties of ONYX

• The largest deposits are located in Brazil, China, Mexico, Mongolia, Uruguay, Germany, Armenia, on the island of Madagascar, and also in Southern Namibia.
• The mineral is also mined in some regions of Russia (in the Urals, in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, in Crimea, and beyond Lake Baikal).

Differences from classic agate

• Blue stone is less common than many other types of chalcedony: for example, gray, white and pearl shades;
• Suitable for products with decorative patterns, as opposed to dark and light stones.

Place of extraction

It is less common than other types of agate. But there are large deposits in which blue agate is mined in large quantities. These are deposits in South America (Brazil), North America (Mexico, the United States of America), Australia, China and the island of Madagascar.

Blue crystal

In Russia, it is mined on the coasts of the Yenisei, Vilyui, Lena and off the coast of the Black Sea.

Who to wear and the miraculous “opportunities”

An amulet made from this material should be worn by those people who have taken the path of fidelity and decency. It confirms to everyone around you that your words and actions come from the heart. In addition, blue stone improves memory and gives peace of mind. This talisman will appeal to people with the zodiac sign Gemini and Taurus. When an amulet depicts some kind of animal, it will protect you from the bites of this animal. The properties of the mineral enable it to protect its owner. It is especially important that he protects small children; with his presence they are not afraid of anything, and the resulting wounds and abrasions will heal very quickly.

The amulet helps in difficult situations, protects from troubles and provides answers to many unsolvable questions. Gives the power of clairvoyance and a strong spirit. But he does not give out such gifts to everyone, since in order to believe and understand the magical properties of the stone, you need to be a noble person, have your own opinion and stick to it.

In order for harmony to visit you, it is worth finding a common language with agate. Therefore, you need to learn the speech of the mineral. Therefore, it is worth spending twenty minutes of meditation every day, focusing on the stone and seeking contact with it. In this way, peace and harmony will come to you, thoughts will all fall into place, and the chaos will leave your head. Extrasensory abilities may also develop, and during meditation you will have the gift of seeing beautiful landscapes and amazing structures.

When all the steps are completed, you can easily start working with agate and experience your new talent to its full potential. The bright aura that appears around the owner of agate helps him cope with all everyday troubles and makes him bold and courageous. Agate helps loving people survive long separations. It increases love for each other and helps to meet quickly. For people who do not have soul mates, the talisman itself finds love and helps in obtaining reciprocity for the sympathy shown.

Healing properties of blue agate

Warning: all the information provided in this part of the article has not been scientifically proven, therefore the use of the mineral for medicinal purposes cannot in any way replace turning to official medicine. For each specific disease, you should consult your doctor. Using the healing properties of blue agate can only be an addition to official treatment!

It is believed that agate has healing properties: it can relieve nervous tension, relieve headaches and itching from insect bites, and help with sleepwalking. It has the greatest impact on the emotional state: wearing it in the middle of the chest helps to smooth out the emotional imbalance that does not allow a person to open up to romantic feelings, although he himself desires it. At the same time, agate develops confidence and determination in a person, and encourages the owner to analyze his own actions. Pebbles of the correct shape bring harmony to a person, while pebbles of the wrong shape encourage specific actions.

Difference between the original

Earrings, ring or beads can be checked for originality and value:

1. Color. The blue tint cannot be in one sample of one tone. Any sample is a mixture of colors, ornately combined in one material.
2. Shine. Agate acquires a glassy shine after polishing.
3. Transparency. The stone is not translucent, it is dense and solid, it only seems that there is an opportunity to look inside, but this is only visual.
4. Temperature. Agate is highly durable; scratches will not form on the surface; it will break into pieces.
5. Solubility. In water, the crystal becomes cloudy, but does not decompose.

Blue agate is often a desirable rock for scammers. To distinguish products of special quality from counterfeits, they turn to gemologists. Black or blue minerals can add to your jewelry collection, but it is better if they are originals and not artificial fakes by skilled craftsmen.

The type of stone in the decoration matters for the price:

1. Cabochon. If the sample is designed using the method of obtaining a cabochon, then it will become of interest to collectors. The number of carats, saturation and pattern are measured. The internal pattern and beauty of the wave will only make the cabochon more expensive.
2. Decoration form. Any product has its own characteristics. An equal amount of rock takes on a different appearance under the hands of craftsmen. The ring in some workshops is unique in its own way. Therefore, the originality of the decoration is important. The same applies to objects. Some figurines may be ordinary and beautiful only in color, while others are elegant in shape, decoration and mineral inserts. In other words, the price directly depends on the complexity of the work and the skill of the jeweler.
3. Integrity and uniqueness. Jewelry items can consist of more than just blue agate. It can become the main one, one of the other crystals. Often the gem is cut into a precious metal. Then the price increases by its value. It cannot be said that silver will cost more than gold. Everything will again depend on the complexity of the metal pattern.

Cost and originality, weight and complexity, uniqueness and commonality are just some of the factors that influence the price of a product.

Magical properties of blue agate

Due to its rarity, it is not easy to establish the magical properties of the stone.

Some Italian Renaissance artists allegedly wore blue agate jewelry as talismans. Perhaps this is where the idea came from that this mineral promotes inspiration, the manifestation of a person’s creative abilities, the discovery of previously unknown talents, and confidence in one’s creativity. If combined with fire stones such as ruby, it can, in rare cases, also contribute to the active generation of new ideas.

Beads

Agate should be worn by those who dream of speaking eloquently, because it gives the wearer confidence and improves his oratory abilities.

For unbalanced people, the mineral helps restore mental balance, which is why it is often used for meditation. Allows you to speak more restrainedly and thoughtfully with people, push the emotional component of relationships into the background, and fight depression and depression.

The mineral is great for controlling emotions and achieving balance. For a person who wants to open up emotionally, this mineral will allow him to do so. For those who, on the contrary, are too hot-tempered, it will help them control themselves.

Ring with blue agate

Wearing a cut of blue agate as a decoration helps to improve aesthetic taste, which will also be useful for creators and representatives of certain professions, say, designers or fashion designers, especially if the cut is worn on a black cord or a thin silver-colored chain, not necessarily made of real silver.

It helps the owner to have great trust from others and encourages the wearer to keep trusted secrets. This property can be used to rid yourself of excessive talkativeness and a tendency to gossip.

This ornamental stone promotes restful sleep with pleasant dreams, relieves nightmares, but does not put the owner to sleep. The stone can protect the owner from minor troubles.

Some esotericists say that it is worth “getting to know” a mineral by focusing on it for a while, but you cannot do this for too long: the stone has a strong connection with the world of the unreal, so long-term concentration on it can cause too much distance from the real world, after which followed by a painful fall into reality.

Previously, it was believed that this stone has one negative property: despite raising the owner’s self-confidence, the mineral increases the wearer’s receptivity, pliability to various kinds of suggestions, and makes a person vulnerable to skilled manipulators.

How true this is, we find it difficult to answer.

History of the discovery of blue agate

Blue agate is rarely found in nature.
The name of the stone comes from the word “Ahatos” - the name of the river in Sicily, near which the crystal formations were discovered. Its other name, sapphirine, is a trade term used by sellers, jewelers and collectors.

The basis of agate is quartz, which forms in the voids of volcanic rocks. When silica-rich water seeps through, it envelops the voids, and over time, blue lace agate forms in them.

The first mention of a mineral with a delicate color dates back to the 7th century. BC e. According to the manuscript, the stone was actively used to create jewelry, decorate utensils and interiors.

There are many legends associated with blue agate. One of them says that during a tour of the Bolshoi Theater in Spain, a dancer noticed a beautiful sky-colored crystal in a shop and bought it. After the acquisition, the girl’s life changed for the better: she became famous, got married successfully and got rich.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

The blue agate stone is well received by water and air signs (perhaps this is due to its azure color), in particular, it is suitable for Aquarius and Pisces. But this mineral is best suited for Gemini according to the horoscope. In astrology, it is often believed that agate corresponds to the zodiac sign Taurus.

(“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated)

How to care

Blue agate does not tolerate moisture, direct sunlight, or sudden changes in temperature.

From water, heat, or sun, the stone loses its luster, becomes dull, pale, and the color may approach white.

It is better to store jewelry in a soft, closed case.

This stone should be washed under running cold water, but not too often.

Compatibility with other stones

The mineral is calm and well compatible with others, but it is better to avoid combining it with fire stones: they can destroy most of the beneficial magical properties of blue agate and enhance others. But the combination with any of the stones does not have negative effects or danger for the wearer - the owner of blue agate can be calm in choosing jewelry for his image.

Products with blue agate

The stone is best combined with topaz and aquamarine, which will enhance the magical properties of agate. Combining with other stones can give various interesting properties that do not contradict each other.

Magic eye"

Sky and clouds in stone

There is a legend about an eagle who fought an evil sorcerer. After the fight, the bird fell and turned into a “big-eyed” stone. This myth became the basis for believing in agate’s ability to “see” good and evil.

And since the blue color is a symbol of the sky, then the blue or blue agate itself personifies the gaze of the Almighty Creator. White stains in the stone are compared to clouds.

Soft as air

The magical properties of blue agate include:

• The ability to keep the owner’s mind in a “cold” state under any circumstances.
• Unique opportunities to transfer positive energy.
• Unlimited potential of a protective amulet.
• Adaptability of the stone to situations.
• Attracting love, success in finding a soul mate for men and women.

Despite the fact that blue color is considered cold, esotericists recognize agate as soft, like the touch of air, that is, the sky. In religion, the color symbolizes Christ, the divine child. Hence the highest creative theory about the all-consuming spirituality and pure innocence of stone.

Color of Harmony

Magicians believe that blue agate can establish harmony in the human soul. This ability is also given to him by a special color - gentle, as if enveloping him with pleasant sensations. Therefore, it is useful to use the stone to relax during tension.

Smoothly processed minerals, shaped like ovals or balls, are suitable for this purpose. You can hold one stone in your hand or handle several pieces at the same time. In the second case, the calming energy of blue agate will intensify many times, which will give deep, beneficial sleep.

Miracles are just beginning

An intensification of the effect of calm and the onset of a feeling of satisfaction also comes with a continuous look at the blue or blue agate stone. Moreover, the result does not depend on whether the mineral is inserted into the jewelry, or whether several individual stones treated with cabochons are sufficient.

Achieving inner harmony in the soul is not the final effect of blue agate. Following the onset of this state, real miracles begin. The stone helps to take the right step in a difficult matter, adds determination and opens the “third eye” when the owner of the agate finds himself at a crossroads and doubts his own abilities.

Where is it used?

The largest agate product is a dish with a diameter of 75 cm, carved from a single stone.

The stone is used for artistic carving. Due to its strength, toughness and high hardness, it can also be used for the manufacture of mortars and pestles for chemical analytical work, prisms for analytical balances and watch stones.

Jewelry is made from agate. Most jewelers believe that a massive setting can only spoil the appearance of this stunning stone, so they make it invisible and use exclusively precious metals for its production. You won't find these stones set in gold because the color of gold doesn't go well with them.

Jewelry with blue stones

Talismans and amulets made of blue agates can be very diverse: from a simple piece of jewelry, that is, a large stone in a frame, to a cut of agate on an inexpensive cord.

Agate amulets (especially beads with blue agate, or just a stone inserted into a pendant will do) are recommended to be worn by pregnant women to avoid the initial fear of motherhood and child care.

In general, blue agate is inserted into both necklaces and bracelets, earrings and rings. The shape of the decoration does not matter for a person who wants to own agate, since the magic of this stone almost does not depend on the shape.

silver ring

Areas of application of stone

Jewelry with blue agate will highlight the natural beauty of blue-eyed beauties.
Blue agate is often found in jewelry, so one might get the impression that this is perhaps the only area where the mineral has found its application. However, masters skilled in artistic carving make amazing things from it.

Among such items are:

• mortars, which are used to grind spices, dried herbs, medicines, and dry dyes;
• handmade dishes that fall into the hands of collectors;
• boxes, stands for jewelry;
• decorative carvings, ashtrays.

In the jewelry industry, the mineral is used as inserts for necklaces and earrings. Beads, bracelets, and pendants are also made from gemstones. Usually this stone is found in an elegant silver frame, because neither the massiveness nor the shine of gold is combined with the delicate shade of the mineral.

How to spot a fake

This mineral is very porous, so it lends itself easily to artificial coloring. They say that they learned how to turn gray agates into blue ones back in Ancient Rome. When purchasing a stone, take a closer look at its shade. Avoid too “poisonous”, overly bright and saturated colors: most likely, this is an artificially colored stone.

Often, fake agates are made of plastic or glass, and in appearance they are almost no different from real ones. However, if you squeeze them in your hand, they will heat up quickly. Real agate itself is cold and remains cold for a long time. Following these tips will help you avoid running into a fake.

As with all stones, it's worth paying attention to the cost: blue agate is a fairly rare stone, so it's unlikely to be too cheap. However, nothing prevents scammers from selling the stone at the price of real blue agate, so this is not a universal method.

Checking blue agate for authenticity

Many people like to attend jewelry shows or holiday markets and select their own stones. However, attending such events can easily turn into disappointment, because there is a much higher risk of running into a fake.

Only a real mineral will serve as a talisman for you, so choose a gemstone product carefully.

Ornamental stones are often replaced with similar but cheaper gems, and even more often they try to sell plastic to an inexperienced buyer instead.

How to avoid being deceived:

• A real mineral must have color transitions. Take a closer look at the gem. Noticed just one shade of blue instead of several? This is definitely an imitation.
• Blue agate is not characterized by transparency. The density of the stone does not allow you to look through its surface and see the world around you. If the sample is transparent, they are probably trying to sell you another stone - for example, a moonstone. Or is it just glass.
• After cutting, the stone acquires a glassy shine. This is another sign by which you can instantly distinguish a fake from the original.
• Pay attention not only to external signs, but also to how the pebble behaves in your hands. It should not be very light or heat up too quickly.

Of course, the easiest way to avoid wasting money is to call a stone specialist with you. But this opportunity is not available to everyone. Therefore, do not despair, but try to choose a talisman based on the tips given. Carefulness and the habit of not trusting sellers will help you avoid falling for scammers.

Blue Agate Care and Wearing

It is better to store blue agate in a soft case and keep it away from moisture and direct sunlight. Thus, if a person wears blue agate as a pendant, it is better to hide it under his clothes. Many esotericists argue that if you wear blue agate solely as an amulet, say, protective, it is generally undesirable to open it to the eyes of other people. But this statement should be taken with skepticism.

Agate should only be washed under cold water and not too often.

Healing properties

Blue agate is believed to promote health:

• Improves the condition of the respiratory system. Experts advise asthmatics to wear gemstone beads or necklaces.
• Strengthens the thyroid gland.
• Slightly relieves migraines. Apply the gem to the head. It is not necessary to take decoration. Any item made of blue agate is suitable, for example, a figurine or a ball.
• Lithotherapists assure that the stone is useful when bearing a child - the pregnancy will be easy and the baby will be healthy. To do this, agate is periodically applied to the lower abdomen.
• Calms heart patients and people with nervous disorders. Used against fears and insomnia. Sometimes even just looking at blue agate helps.
• Lithotherapists use the mineral to combat digestive disorders.
• Useful for skin disorders.

To relieve stress and mental strain, you can look at the stone for a few minutes or hold it in your hands.