| ign="center"> | | | | varieties of agate to stand out compared to |
| Agates are a microcrystalline form of quartz that | | | | others are their particular patterns and colors. For |
| are commonly used to make jewelry. Since these | | | | example, during the formation of the stone |
| stones are quite common and relatively | | | | millions of years ago, the silica solution sometimes |
| inexpensive, they are best suited for fashion | | | | snared organic materials such as pieces of |
| jewelry. In this application, the stones are stones | | | | deadwood or leaves. Over the years, the organic |
| are cut and polished and strung together to form | | | | substances decomposed and were replaced with |
| necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry. Agate | | | | inorganic minerals of different colors. These |
| beads are also mounted in metal settings to | | | | agates later formed what we today know as |
| create pendants and earrings. In many cases, the | | | | âpetrified woodâ. Cut and |
| settings are made of copper or silver-plated | | | | polished specimens of petrified wood can make |
| copper. This keeps the price of the piece low | | | | interesting beads to be used in silver pendants, |
| which happens to be a key criterion for fashion | | | | rings, and earrings. Cyclops agates and fire agates |
| jewelry. Sometimes, when the agate specimen is | | | | are two other noteworthy forms of this stone. |
| particularly beautiful, it may be mounted in sterling | | | | Mexico is the primary source of both agates, |
| silver settings to create jewelry of a higher | | | | although smaller deposits have also been found in |
| quality and cost. Some contemporary designs | | | | Central America. Fire agates are best known for |
| combine freshwater pearls with agates to create | | | | the orange to orange-brown color. The presence |
| innovative pieces of jewelry. The most common | | | | of ferrous compounds as secondary minerals is |
| form of this combination is to have a white pearl | | | | responsible for this color. Cyclops agates were |
| necklace with a brightly colored polished agate | | | | formed due to a deposition process that led to |
| pendant. | | | | dark bands of silica alternating with white or nearly |
| One important but often overlooked reason for | | | | white bands. When cut to expose the concentric |
| the popularity of agate jewelry is the perceived | | | | circles, this type of agate bears a striking |
| metaphysical and spiritual benefits of agates. This | | | | resemblance to the eye; hence its name. |
| stone is believed to aid in communications not | | | | Some of the more exotic varieties of agates are |
| simply with other humans, but with all elements of | | | | framed in settings of sterling silver to create silver |
| nature including plant and animal life. Moss Agates | | | | pendants, earrings and necklaces. In most cases |
| in particular are believed to have a close | | | | however, the common forms of agates are best |
| association with the earth. As such, they are | | | | suited for fashion jewelry where the settings are |
| credited with being in tune with the fertility of | | | | less expensive than sterling silver. Such less |
| plants, protection of the earth and rain. They are | | | | expensive metals include copper, silver plated on |
| also believed to help with prosperity, general | | | | copper, pewter, and stainless steel. |
| healing, restoration of physical and emotional well | | | | Report this article |
| being, and creativity. Agates are said to help | | | | This article is free for republishing |
| those with self esteem problems, and with | | | | Source: |
| attaining emotional balance. By maintaining | | | | Republish this article |
| emotional balance, one is able to center oneself | | | | |
| by releasing anger and frustration. Agates are | | | | Ask a Question About this Article |
| believed to help those seeking friendship and love. | | | | >> The trend toward cremation ash holder |
| The low cost and the beauty of agates are other | | | | jewelry has ... |
| important factors that have made this stone quite | | | | >> What DOES 20--12y STAMPED on |
| popular for fashion jewelry. Agates are found in | | | | jewelry mean |
| great abundance in dozens of countries across | | | | >> Where are the numbers for dates on |
| the world. Their widespread occurrence is not | | | | tudor watches? |
| surprising because they are primarily composed of | | | | >> can I find the Large size Judith Ripka |
| silicon dioxide which is the most abundant mineral | | | | "Evil Eye" enhancer? |
| on earth. What distinguishes and makes some | | | | |