The world of jewelry is quite interesting. Many types of jewelry can be used and each person has their own taste. The models are infinite and each stone has a different meaning. The sensations and properties will make you feel elegant and you will feel how little by little the extravagant world of precious stones envelops you.
One of the biggest stones in the world is the Black Agate. This stone is characterized by being one of the most impressive and enigmatic stones in the universe. Its aura of mysticism and its striking black color make it one of the most attractive varieties in the jewelry market.
Compared to Red Agate or Blue Lace Agate, Black Agate is one of the rarest variants of agate stone. Its tones range from black to dark brown, through gray. It is the quintessential auric sealant and is widely valued in the field of high-end jewelry for its rarity, simplicity and indisputable elegance.
Known as a protective stone, black agate is a semi-precious stone, a variety of chalcedony that is formed by amorphous silica in thin layers of different colors. It is found as a tonsil agate in eruptive rocks, meláfido … Agates can present strong colors and due to their abundance, they have been used since time immemorial as amulets for good luck.
The name of agate comes from the Achates River, currently the Dirillo River, south of Sicily, in Italy, where it is said that the first of these stones were found. Black agate is not a specific mineral, but a set of microcrystalline varieties of quartz. Actually without varieties of chalcedony that present bands of several colors little contrasted.
Black agate stone is one of the most sought-after rocks in the market and attracts attention due to its color and the elegance that it transmits in a simple way.
Meaning
Black stones are known to protect against negative energies and also to help in introspection processes. Black Agate possesses these qualities but it is also a stone that helps clean negative energies because it not only protects them but also transforms them. This is why it is so popular among those who feel that some negative vibes are behind them.
As far as the energy field is concerned, black agate is associated with the search for success and the protection of its wearer. That is, if the person who is using it has any goal or desire that he is trying to fulfill successfully, the stone will give him all the protection he needs. You will not have to worry about bad times and will always be shielded against any bad energy that comes close.
On the other hand, black agate has an important meaning within the pieces of fine jewelry. The figures can be placed inside silver frames in any piece you want to use. Now, what you have to do is choose the type of accessory where you want to place the piece and also on which surface it will be maintained. After that, the stone will shine on its own.
The meaning of black agate stones can be varied. In each area, it obtains a different meaning and that is why it is such a popular stone. There are those who say it heals as it relieves tension and discomfort in the upper body and around the throat.
Something very important about black agate is that you should always keep it close to you once you start using it. She can be a protective stone against bad vibes as long as you use it with that intention. The meaning of the stone is very broad and that is why you must be very careful when using it.
In Ancient Egypt, for example, it was believed that the meaning of black agate referred to as many things as protection against natural disasters such as lightning, protection against thirst and the ability to issue word powers. People also believed that black agate stone could be used to defend against storms, however, the power of the agate gem for the ancient Chinese was more internal than anything else.
They believed that the meaning of the black agate crystal was spiritual protection and that it could stimulate the strength of one’s life while clearing his mind to make room for good luck and fortune. In medieval times the belief surrounding the properties of the agate was that it could produce an abundant harvest if it was tied to the horns of an ox.
This stone is a specialist in demonstrating that mystery is part of elegance. Its healing powers are quite strong but they have not demonstrated in the enigmatic figure that this stone demonstrates next to its intense black.
The black agate not only protects against negative energies but also cleanses them. It helps to resolve conflicts because cleaning the negative energies leaves a clearer channel of communication between those involved. Its meaning is enigmatic but it is always aimed at helping people’s problems be solved in the most assertive way.
Properties
Physical Properties
The difference in colors appears because, in each zone, the structure and the number of inclusions in the chalcedony varies, which changes their properties. The agate is found in volcanic rocks whose size can vary from several millimeters to several meters.
Their colors are presented in concentric bands are similar, opaque, and translucent colors that recall the cut of a tree trunk in a circular direction. It can take various forms and come in many varieties. There are some types that are really chalcedony with different inclusions, you must be aware so that they do not deceive you.
The colored bands that give the semiprecious stone the bands that characterize it are layers of agate deposits that develop on top of each other. This set of vanes comes from impurities within the composition of groundwater. As black agate, it belongs to the quartz family, and it has a trigonal crystal system and a Mohs durability score of 7.
Metaphysical Healing Properties
The agate was highly revered by the ancients and was considered the stone of science. It was believed that the Indian agate was the best remedy for eye diseases and that the Egyptian agate was very effective against spider bites and scorpion bites. Aleppo agates, in Arabia, were called eye agates because they looked like pupils surrounded by the iris. They were very dear and were used as eyes in the images of the gods.
They are excellent helpers to counteract physical pain and strengthen the immune system as they also fight allergies. They help a little against diabetes and that is why its healing properties are so relevant on this planet.
The main properties of Black Agate are the protectors. They function as an unequivocal symbol of protection and vitality. This stone is considered the greatest ally to protect its wearer not only from external energy evils but also from physical discomforts and internal imbalances.
Some cultures even claim that this gem has its greatest protection power concentrated in internal stabilizing elements, so in some way, it is assumed as a tool to protect oneself.
Its protection encompasses dominant relationships and destructive connections and serves to remove any link that may be harmful to its wearer. As for the healing and energetic properties, being a stone of introspection, it is ideal for internal growth work. Not only can it protect against negative energies, but it also cleanses and allows the flow of pure energy from the inside out.
The healing properties of black agate are one of the most striking. Their properties connect with the energy of the Earth since they are thought to bring harmony to all aspects of being, physical, spiritual, and emotional.
Using agate during times of imbalance, when it feels as if the yin and yang inside you were operated out of proportion, can reintroduce a balance in your tempered soul.
The healing properties of the agate of this variety use gentle vibrations to relieve tension inside the throat and allow fluidity between the mind and mouth. It is a very ideal stone for people looking for strength for lasting resistance.
In ancient times it was thought to give protection against epilepsy and mental disorders. It was also used as an amulet. Its scope is very broad. Relieves balance disorders, ailments in general, digestive problems, and infections … Black agate is very beneficial for the skin, hair, sleepwalking, and insect bites.
Black Agate is a stone associated with elegance and that makes you increase your self-esteem when you use it, as well as courage. It allows people to recognize true friends and helps even guide you in legal matters.
Agate fortifies and stimulates the digestive system, and helps emotional and physical balance and energy fixation while acting on all the chakras. Its astrological associations with Taurus and Gemini make it considered a semiprecious stone for peace, victory, happiness, and good luck.
The Black Agate drives away fear, protects against disease, and is a circulatory system leveler. Excellent to avoid obstacles. It promotes high spirituality. Promotes high esteem and gives long life and prosperity. If used for healing, the etheric body is positively affected. Calm relaxes and balances nervous functioning. There are even cases in which the restoration of normal temperature is associated with the bearing of this stone.
Black Agate In Jewelry Uses
Now let’s talk about one of the best uses of black agate stone. Although it has many properties and each one makes it more special as it has been reading, however, black agate is also a very beautiful stone to be used as an accessory.
Without having to go to an outdoor event or want to attend a gala at night, wearing black agate jewelry will make you look as elegant, enigmatic, and beautiful as possible. Black Agate can be used in bracelets and even in earrings, it all depends on your tastes and what type of accessory you want to use at that time.
Bracelets made with Black Agate are more subtle than you imagine. Normally the stones used are small and are quite beautiful when combined with other colors that make a great contrast. There are those who do not even realize that you are using black agate in that accessory but still recognize all the elegance it has and how well it combines with your outfit.
The earrings and necklaces are other stories. Here if you have a lot to wear since the size of the stones used is quite large the idea is to highlight as much as possible. The black agate earrings, which come in an infinite number of models, usually have a million black agate stones hanging from them. If you use them in the form of “Solitaires” your ear will look too good. You may find very large or small earrings, but the black agate stone will always be the center of attention.
The black agate necklaces will vary depending on the person’s taste. There will be those who want to use more striking stones that cover even their entire chest. While others may prefer more black agate stone hanging from their neck but in a smaller size.
The black agate rings, meanwhile, are characterized by being subtle and sometimes accompanied by other ornaments or bands to support it. Some people use this stone even on special occasions like marriage proposals, everything will depend on the design of the ring.
Where Does Black Agate Come From?
Being a cryptocrystalline mineral, it is composed of silicon dioxide, an abundant composition that explains why agates can be found so commonly throughout the world in places like Brazil, Egypt, Nepal, Germany …
The formation of Agata is more often from the deposition of layers of filling holes in volcanic vesicles or another cavity. The layers are formed in stages with some of the new layers that provide an alternate color. Since the cavities are irregular and unique, each agate forms its own pattern based on the original shape of the cavity.
When a cavity is completely filled, a solid mass of agate is formed, but it is often only partially filled, leaving a hollow void that often has crystalline quartz growths in its innermost layer. This is the cause of agate formation.
You can find it in volcanic rocks whose size can vary. It is a hard rock and resistant to chemical reagents and is used to build small mortars. Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana are the main sources of gems. Most agates appear in cavities in eruptive rocks or contiguous lavas.
Is Black Agate Natural or Dyed?
The staining of the stones is a practice that was already used by the Romans, back in the time of Pliny in the year 23 after Christ mainly in the Agates and Chalcedonians. This treatment consists of the introduction of a coloring substance that penetrates into the gemological material because it has a porous structure as in the case of agates or turquoise.
For example, in the case of chalcedony, thanks to its porosity, clear areas are intensified by immersing them by boiling them in viscous substances such as honey or oils, and after washing, they are placed in sulfuric acid baths that burn absorbed matter and transforms it into coal.
In chalcedony that have white layers that are less porous, they do not absorb and maintain their color and that is why we see them in very contrasting black and white layers. If we want to obtain different colors, other dyes are used.
In the case of black agates, this gem scam can be found naturally on the planet at different sites. But there are times that jewelry experts want to give greater intensity to the color black and so they dye them with certain special procedures. Even so, it is possible to obtain a black agate naturally only that its color is completely deep to us like the one it acquires when they are dyed artificially.
Where to Buy Black Agate?
Usually Etsy or Amazon is a good idea. Etsy is the leading online global marketplace of handmade, vintage, and creative goods. Amazon is one of the largest global online marketplaces. Both of them are reliable and easy to find your favorite items there.
How to Use Black Agate?
Finding black agate accessories may be very simple when entering any specialized jewelry. Even so, you should know that using it correctly is a bit complicated. If you are using it for protection and to put aside the bad vibes you must take into account which side to use so that it can work in an excellent way.
It is advisable to use it on the right side more than anything for superstitions, but if you want it to act in a much more efficient way you can use it centered on your body, in case it is in the form of a necklace.
How to Cleanse Black Agate?
It is very important to clean this stone from the first moment we receive it and then try to perform regular cleaning routines to ensure that it is always ready to protect us from granting your energy.
For this, only a glass of water is required to which you will add sage cut into small pieces or powder. The rocks are left soaking for four hours in the moonlight and then washed and dried. For activation, we can do them with our own energy by taking the pieces in the left hand and holding them for at least half an hour in a ritual of breathing and meditation.
Another thing you can do is place the stone under the normal water tap for 30 seconds and ask the waiter to take away all the negative energies and purify the rock. Then you dry it and place it in the desired place.
Compared to Other Similar Gemstones
Black Agate vs. Black Onyx
In the world, there are many semiprecious stones and they are all very beautiful. What happens here is that not all are equal because they have differences that are based on small details. And that is what happens in the case of Onyx and Agate.
Onyx is a variety of chalcedony bands. Agata and Onyx are both stratified chalcedony varieties that differ only in the shape of the bands. The agate has curved bands and the onyx has parallel bands. The colors of their bands range from white to almost all colors except for some tones.
Onyx is formed by chalcedony bands in alternate colors. It is cryptocrystalline and consists of fine interpretations of silica, quartz, and moganite minerals. Their bands are parallel to each other, this being the main difference from the chaotic bands that often occur in black agates.
Some types of Onyx are artificial and are produced from common chalcedony and simple agates. The ancient Romans went into battle wearing amulets of this type engraved with Mars, the God of War. Since it was believed that he also granted courage in battle.
In the beginning, it may be a little difficult to differentiate between a Black Agate stone and a Black Onyx, but little by little, over time, you will see how you are differentiating for yourself and it will not take you long. You just have to be aware of the bands.
Black Agate vs. Obsidian
Obsidian is not a mineral itself since it has no crystalline structure. It really is a natural glass, a volcanic glass. Obsidian occurs in the last phase of the volcanic eruption. Many varieties can be found in the color of obsidian or surface effects. Normally it is black or grayish but it can also exist with the golden surface or with rainbow iridescence, white spots …
Some phrases of the philosophers make reference to the volcanic glass called “Obsidian” because of its similarity to a stone discovered by the Roman explorer Obsiuos in Ethiopia.
The main difference that it shares with the Black Agate is that its stripes are white, unlike the agate bands that are dark black. Their fracture is concord and it is always very easy to differentiate them since Obsidian is much more crystalline than Black Agate.
In the Game of Thrones series, Obsidian is known as Dragon Glass while Black Agate stones can be seen in the form of accessories in several of the actresses.
Final Words
Black Agate is a very beautiful stone. From the moment it was discovered, the heart of many people was stolen and that is why it has been the center of various jewelry collections. Their extraction field is a great economic activity that drives the income of large companies and they are always able to devise new ways of working alongside this stone.
Black Agate never disappoints and its essence helps take care of many people who have bad vibes about them. Its field of protection is very wide and that is why so many people around the world use it.