Agate Cabochons

Agate Cabochons are a member of the Chalcedony family of semi precious gemstones.

Chalcedony (kal SED' nee) is any form of microcrystalline quartz, where the crystals are too small to be seen without high magnification.

However, in the rock world, only the translucent or transparent, single color types are sold as "chalcedony". Most of the other stones fall under the agate or jasper category.

Agates tend to have a more fibrous texture, where jaspers and flints tend to be more granular.

Also Agate is defined by its translucency (ability to see light through it), and by its clearly defined pattern or banding of multiple colors. Jaspers are mainly opaque.

Agate is found in sedimentary, metamorphic or igneous rock.

But most Agates are igneous and were formed by volcanic activity. Cavities formed in the magma by gas and air and over a long time silica rich solutions filled these cavities.

Agate was named from where it was first found - by the River Achates (now called the river Drillo) in Sicily.

As early as 3500 BC, the ancient Egyptians dug up amethyst, quartz, and Carnelians. At the Weiselberg near Oberkirchen, Germany agates were mined as early as 1454.

Agates are found all over the world, with certain colors or patterns unique to particular localities. All Agate cabochons take an excellent polish, are trouble free to care for, and hardy enough for all jewelry uses.

They have a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's Scale.

Most Agates are named after their colors or their appearance, or from where they are found. Crazy Lace Agate and Moss Agate are named for their appearance. Brazilian Agate and Montana Agate are both named for their locality.

In many traditions agate cabochons are believed to cure the stings of scorpions and the bites of snakes, soothe the mind, prevent contagion, quiet thunder and lightning, secure the favor of the powerful, and bring victory over enemies.

Metaphysical Properties of Agate Cabochons:

Agates in general are known for being lower intensity stones. They are considered stabilizing and strengthening influences.

For more information about Jaspers see are Jasper Stone Cabochon page.

At BarlowsGems we specialize in rare and unique agate cabochons. We travel the world looking for striking patterns and bright colors. We personally orientate each agate cabochon to get the best possible pattern. Each agate cabochon is hand cut and polished.

Please check out all the cabochons we have by exploring our store. For more information on a specific type of agate cabochon, just go to that category.

You can search for specific agates or you can search for shapes or colors too.