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Originally Posted On: https://emoche.com/blue-agate/

 

Agate acquired its name from the Achates River in Sicily, where a Greek naturalist discovered the stone between 400 and 300 B.C. Agates can be found in many colors such as red, yellow, brown, white, and even blue, although the blue color is often achieved through dyeing. The coloration of agate is primarily due to trace elements and impurities in the stone. However, some blue agate varieties, such as blue lace agate and Holley blue agate, are not enhanced; they appear naturally with their color.

Idar-Oberstein, Germany, has been an important center for dyeing and cutting agate since the 16th century. The dyeing techniques developed there have been widely adopted and refined over time.

Blue Agate Geological Properties

Blue agate belongs to the blue quartz family and is a type of chalcedony. The stone forms from filled cracks in volcanic rock. Iron pigment is used to dye the agate, giving it a blue color.

Agate occurs in different parts of the world, such as India, Brazil, Botswana, Uruguay, Myanmar (Burma), the United States, and Australia. The stone has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 Mohs, meaning it is relatively hard and durable. Blue agate has a refractive index of 1.544 – 1.553 and a specific gravity of 2.60 to 2.65.

Blue Agate Metaphysical Properties

Typically, agate’s zodiac sign is Gemini, but traditionally it does not have a birth month. Blue is associated with impressive qualities such as reliability, truth, and loyalty. Its healing ability was recognized back in the Golden Age of Greece.

Today, some healers use blue agate to diagnose and treat throat-related issues, and serenity and poise are closely related to blue light. However, it is essential to remember that there is no scientific basis for these beliefs.

Blue Agate Healing Properties and Benefits

The healing properties of blue agate help alleviate constipation and stomach aches, reduce inflammation, and aid with digestion issues.

Blue agate healing properties also help with skin conditions like eczema and blistering. The gemstone relieves eye irritation and inflammation.

While some people believe in the healing properties of blue agate, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. It is important to approach such beliefs with a critical mindset and to rely on proven medical treatments for health issues.

Blue Agate Benefits

The stone offers several magical benefits, such as:

• Harmonizing body energies
• Relaxing nerves
• Releasing anxiety
• Protecting the wearer from evil spirits
• Ridding negative energy
• Attracting love
• Bringing good luck
• Enhancing innate abilities
• Lifting spirits

Blue Agate and Chakra

Blue agate focuses on the throat and third eye chakra. The stone also stabilizes the energy of the heart, root, crown, solar plexus, and sacral chakras. These chakras are the focal points of your body, and an imbalance in one affects the other chakras. Blue agate connects with other chakras to give the wearer energy and help overcome negativity in their life.

How are Blue Agates Dyed?

Although these stones occur in various places on Earth, the modern dyeing process began in Idar-Oberstein, Germany. Records show that Germans have mined agates since the 1400s. Gem cutters have perfected the art, and this is where the stones are dyed as well.

Basic Process

The initial step is boiling the agate in a bicarbonate solution and then soaking it in a chemical solution. Note that different chemicals will produce different colors according to the desired result.

Blue agate dyeing

To create the blue color in agate, the stone is soaked in potassium cyanide for about three weeks, according to Marbles Galore. After that, the agates are soaked in ferrous sulfate for about a week and then dried out in the sun. If the blue is not as appealing, the process is repeated.

Idar-Oberstein History

Cerca Gems claims that Idar-Oberstein natives have dyed agate since 1820, although ancient Romans also dyed the stone. Idar-Oberstein natives used inorganic pigments, as these were more effective and did not fade like organic dyes. It is important to note that different layers of agate contain diverse levels of porosity, meaning they absorb color differently. The dyeing of blue agate was a secret for several years.

Proper Care of Blue Agate

Clean your blue agate using a soft brush and soapy water. Do not expose it to extreme heat or household chemicals.

Avoid storing agate with other jewelry and gemstones to prevent scratches on these other items, as agate is hard.

Types of Blue Agate

Holly Blue Agate History and Geological Properties

Holly Blue Agate is an incredible blue to purple agate primarily found in western Oregon. Some deposits are discovered in Holley Blue on the Calapooia River, but the main area for deposits is Holley Mt, located on leased timberland. The area was bulldozed and replanted, which led to its closure for digging in 1997.

Leased to Cascade Timber Consulting, the company now controls access to this place. Anyone found digging after the closure was cited for trespassing and fined. Currently, there is a reasonable amount of Holly Blue available, but since Holley Mountain closed, expect the stone’s availability to change.

The stone has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 Mohs and belongs to the chalcedony family. Its appearance may be banded like other agates, but typically it is a translucent violet-blue. Note that Holly Blue is not enhanced in any way and occurs in Holley Mountain near Sweet Home.

Holly Blue agate Chakra Association

Holly Blue Agate is connected to all the chakras in your body. However, the gemstone is perfect for the heart, crown, and third eye chakras. These essential chakras keep you in balance. Losing balance in any of these chakras means you will also lose balance in life. You will not see any good thing in life. This stone helps get rid of negative energy in your life and gives you hope.

Holly Blue Agate Price

It is among one of the most precious materials that gemstone collectors and jewelers love. However, the stone is becoming pricier and rarer since the cessation of digging activities on Holley Mountain. Back when it was still being dug, you could get a pound of Holly Blue for just $5 to $35.

The lowest you can get a pound now is from $35 to around $300. Some choicer grades could fetch up to $500. As for the enhanced pieces, whether cabled or faceted, Holly Blue is sold by the carat and could fetch astonishing amounts of cash for the dealer. Even so, today, the stone is not readily available because there are no more mining activities. If you happen to come across one, it is probably cut in cabochon and expensive.

Ellensburg Blue Agate is a unique stone that only occurs in Kittitas County. The gemstone was initially discovered in 1905 by Austin Miers, who was the first mayor of Ellensburg. Since then, the stone has been a precious gem for Ellensburg. The blue agate from Ellensburg is the only agate said to be semi-precious. The stone is found in Reecer Creek and Green Canyon Roads.

Ellensburg Blue Agate History

The Ellensburg blues has a rich history. Ellensburg’s first mayor Austin Miers sent two of these stones to a Seattle jeweler to create alluring rings. Kittitas Indians were the first people to discover these beautiful stones. Due to the magnificence of the stones, only tribal chiefs were allowed to wear them first before distribution.

Ellensburg blues were formed near the Teanaway basalt in sedimentary rock. The stones changed to veins of agate when fluid dense with minerals flowed into the cracks in a sedimentary stone. Time passed, and these veins would erode to form the Ellensburg Blue Agate. Then after formation, the semi-precious stones were carried to the Ellensburg area by a river that flowed via Grand Canyon Notch years ago.

The area is to the northwest of Ellensburg. By around 1940, the agate beds were no longer there because of the rock hunters and trudging from the tourists as they looked for blue agate. High traffic in the area made the semi-precious stone disappear and finding it became even more challenging.

Ellensburg Blue Agate Geological Properties

A quality Ellensburg blue agate will come in different blue shades. This spectrum could include a light blue sky or a dark royal blue. These stones also come with different markings on them. That means no gemstone will have similar markings to another stone. You can come across blues with streaks, cloudy images, and even circular bands.

Blue agates are hard with a hardness rating of about 7.5 or higher Mohs. You should also understand that the stones occurring on the earth’s surface are generally small and oval-shaped.

Ellensburg Blue agate vs. Holly Blue agate

There is a slight difference between the two stones. Holly blue is more blue than purple at times. However, with Ellensburg, you have a more cloudy pastel color. The Holly blue occurs in Holley, Oregon making it among the rarest gemstones in the world. Jewelers love both gems since both exhibit colors that make exquisite jewelry.

Blue lace agate history

Agate gemstones have been valued for the longest time now. People believe that these stones were used as healing amulets in the past. The Egyptian civilizations and Ancient Greek carried this tradition. It is believed Theophrastus, a Greek Philosopher gave agate its name after he discovered it in the Achates River in Italy. The river has, however, been renamed Dirillo River.

Blue Lace Agate Metaphysical properties

The soft blue color of agate gives it a soothing feeling. Its graceful and circular banding stimulates calming energy in the wearer. People regard blue lace agate as a communication stone. It gives the wearer confidence in speech, and they become more articulate. That is why it is recommendable to put on blue lace jewelry or carry the stone with you when preparing to speak in public.

The stone is also a Diplomatic stone, ensuring that the words you speak are clear and not angry. Some people say it is a stabilizing stone due to the slow vibration frequency.

Blue lace agate geological properties

This stone is a variegated chalcedony from the quartz family. Blue lace agate is recognized easily because of the light blue banded layers. These layers are known to include other hues such as brown, white or blue. Agates form as geodes or nodules in igneous rocks. Bands of agate form when a porous rock fills, and these molecules crystalize.

The banding patterns and color may vary depending on the mineral content, temperature, and pressure. Some agates are enhanced via dyeing techniques. Dyeing was perfected in a famous town in Germany known as Idar-Oberstein. Blue lace agate occurs in Namibia in Southern Africa.

Small deposits also occur in China, India, Brazil, and some areas in the United States. They have a hardness of 6.5 to 7 Mohs. Blue lace agate has a refractive index of 1.530 to 1.539. Its specific gravity ranges from 2.58 to 2.64.

Blue Lace Agate Proper care

Agates are typically hard. The best way to clean them is by using a soft brush and warm soapy water. Some people assume these blue lace agates are not as hardy as other agates due to their soft color. They are still as hard, but it is not wise to clean them with harsh cleaners.

Designing with blue lace agate

This stone’s soft hue pairs incredibly with other gemstones. If you are looking for a complementary color pairing, mix the stone with orange gemstones such as sunstone, amber, or carnelian. Blue lace agate also appears outstanding when mixed with sterling silver.

Blue Lace Agate Healing Properties and Benefits

Blue lace agate inspires trustworthiness and loyalty. The stone is a support crystal for calming stress-related issues and is used by caregivers.

If you struggle to express yourself or your emotions, carry this stone or use it as jewelry to help you express yourself.

Blue Lace Agate Physical Healing Properties

Blue lace agate is believed to relieve aching, swollen glands, and sore throats. It also aids with thyroid problems. The stone generally strengthens the skeletal structure as well as treats hereditary bone deformity and arthritis. Blue lace agate also mends fractures and breaks in the human body.

Agates are known to enhance mental functioning by enhancing perception, concentration, and analytical abilities. The gemstone is also responsible for fluid balance in your brain. When used as an elixir or placed on your abdomen, agate can stimulate your digestive system as well as relieve gastritis. The stone is beneficial for hollow organs like the uterus, intestines, and stomach. Blue lace agate is also ideal for your eyes.

Agate is suitable for your blood vessels and heart. Putting on an agate on your chest heals emotional disharmony and enables the wearer to love once more. Blue lace agate soothes high blood pressure and any tension-related headaches. A cold agate will easily cure fever when placed on the forehead. Agates are also known to alleviate epilepsy symptoms and guard some people against sleepwalking.

Blue Lace Agate Emotional Healing Properties

This stone evokes a sense of pragmatic and realistic thinking. Agates that come with a regular design soothe people who seek harmony and peace, while the distinctive designs stimulate crucial decision-making and action. Agate is beneficial for uncovering hidden circumstances and self-analysis that are important for your well-being.

The stone promotes confidence and self-acceptance and encourages the wearer to talk their truth. Blue lace agate overcomes the bitterness and negativity of your heart. It fosters love, heals anger, and gives you the courage to start again.

Blue Lace Agate Spiritual healing properties

Blue lace agate contains qualities of air, flight, grace, and movement. All these aspects help the wearer attain a high spiritual level. The stone raises awareness into your collective consciousness and encourages contemplation of your life experiences. These are the experiences that grow your spiritual and inner stability.

Blue lace agate and chakra

Agates are known to transform and eliminate any negative energies. The stone is responsible for stabilizing the aura and eliminating any negative energies. Its healing energies will open up the Throat chakra. This is the body’s voice that allows other chakras to be effectively expressed. If the throat chakra is out of balance, it may affect the other chakras’ health. Using this chakra, we can easily communicate our beliefs, ideas, and emotions. We can relay our truths to the world with a balanced Throat chakra.

Blue lace agate also soothes the Third Eye chakra. That soothes an overactive mind. The Third Eye chakra is typically your center of command and perception. The chakra directs your awareness and sight of the world. That is where your consciousness is located.

Blue Lace Agate Zodiac Connection

Agates have a strong zodiac connection with people born under Gemini between 21st May and 20th June. This is the time when we are approaching summer. Constellation Gemini is closely associated with Mercury, the planet. Geminis are capable of seeing two sides to any issue. These individuals can go with the flow and are pretty flexible.

They are also talkative and lively or nervous and restless depending on the situation. These people are also quick-witted, quick-thinkers, and quick in walking. They connect perfectly with the blue lace agate and infuse the stones’ energy in them easily.

Blue lace agate Talismans and Amulets

These agates are seeker transformer crystals that contain some crystal energy structure. This energy structure aligns your natural power and the natural energy to work together in search of new capabilities and horizons. The fresh start crystals are directors, pointers, and compasses. Blue lace agate is the talismans of the hunter, adventurer, explorer, and wanderer.

Transformer crystals are also known to enhance efforts to change your health, prospect, situation, relationship, and outlook. By transforming your life, you can expect to learn how to dance, become a better spouse, grow stronger or even learn a new language.

Blue Lace Agate Price

Blue lace agate is a famous agate meaning that the retail value primarily depends on the lace pattern and the actual size of the stone.

That means the more beautiful the pattern on the surface of the stone, the pricier it will be. Large deposits will also fetch a higher price. You can purchase the stone at a retail price of around $10-75 as home décor or as a jewel.

How to tell if blue lace agate is real?

Agate is already available worldwide and used in several civilizations. However, you need to get the right gemstone when you go shopping for the blue lace agate. Here are things to look out for:

• Color – genuine agate is bright, and its radiance can be spotted from a distance. Counterfeit agates are not bright and do not have any radiance.
• Texture – real agate will have a hard texture while the fake ones will feel soft. Fake agates can be scratched easily, but the real ones cannot. An original agate will have a flawless and bright surface.
• Transparency – fake agates are more transparent than the original ones.
• Agate level – before buying an agate, you need to look at its level. Watergall is the most valuable agate and contains water for more than 1000 years.
• Weight – genuine agates are heavier than synthetic agates. Their weights should tell you the difference.
• Temperature – natural agates are incredible during summer and warm during winter. The fake agates take the prevailing temperature. That means when it is cold outside; they are also cold and vice versa.

Blue Agate vs. Blue Calcite

Physical and Chemical Properties

Blue Calcite is a calcium carbonate mineral with a trigonal crystal system. It has a Mohs hardness of 3, which makes it relatively soft and prone to scratches. Its color ranges from pale to deep blue, often with white or grey streaks.

Blue Agate, on the other hand, is a type of banded chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline quartz. It has a hexagonal crystal system and a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, making it significantly harder and more durable than Blue Calcite. Blue Agate is characterized by its delicate, lacy blue and white bands.

Colors, Origins, and Formation

Blue Calcite’s color comes from the presence of impurities such as manganese and iron. It forms in various geological environments, including sedimentary rocks and veins within metamorphic rocks. Blue Calcite is found in several countries, including the United States, Brazil, and Madagascar.

Blue Agate, on the other hand, gets its unique banded pattern from the rhythmic crystallization of silica gel during the formation process. It is primarily found in South Africa and Brazil.

Uses and Value

Blue Calcite is often used for its metaphysical properties, which include calming and soothing energies, enhanced communication, and emotional healing. It is commonly utilized in meditation, crystal grids, and as a decorative piece in the home.

Blue Agate is prized for its beautiful banded pattern and is often used in jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. It is also valued for its metaphysical properties, which include stress relief, emotional balance, and improved communication.

In terms of value, Blue Calcite is generally more affordable than Blue Agate due to its relative abundance and lower hardness. Blue Agate, with its unique pattern and higher durability, commands a higher price in the market.

Myths, Legends, and Cultural Significance

Blue Calcite is associated with the throat chakra and is believed to help with communication and self-expression. It is also thought to calm the mind and assist with emotional healing.

Blue Agate is linked to the throat and third eye chakras, promoting clear communication and enhancing intuition. It is also believed to bring balance and tranquility to its wearer.

Blue Agate vs. Blue Fluorite

Upon first glance, Blue Fluorite and Blue Agate seem to carry an identical celestial hue, both carrying the spirit of the vast blue skies within their structures. Yet, they couldn’t be more different.

Blue Fluorite, like a clear sky after a storm, has a calming hue of blue that soothes the soul. It has a cubic crystal system with a Mohs hardness of 4, just enough to be used in jewelry but with caution due to its relative softness. As a halide mineral, it contains fluorine and can be found worldwide, though China, Mexico, and South Africa lead in production. Depending on the depth of color and clarity, prices can range from $5 to $100 per carat.

On the other hand, Blue Agate whispers tales of ancient seas trapped in its bands. With a trigonal crystal system and a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, it is tougher than Blue Fluorite, making it a popular choice for jewelry and ornamental objects. It’s a variety of chalcedony that forms in volcanic rocks and its price usually ranges from $2 to $60 per carat, making it an affordable choice for gem enthusiasts.

Beyond physical attributes, these gemstones hold a revered place in metaphysical beliefs. Blue Fluorite is associated with clear communication, mental clarity, and tranquility. Meanwhile, Blue Agate is believed to balance energies, promote smooth communication, and bring peace to its wearers.

Blue Agate vs. Blue Chalcedony

In the lapidary world, Blue Chalcedony and Blue Agate are often closely associated, and for good reason. Both are forms of quartz, with their defining blue hues ranging from pale to deeper sky blue.

Blue Chalcedony, with its uniform translucent allure, often presents a smooth, wax-like luster. Its origin stories trace back to Turkey, with some unique pieces even reaching prices upwards of $100 per carat. Its uniform, dreamy blue color presents a sense of calm and tranquility, making it a favorite amongst gem enthusiasts and healers alike.

On the other hand, Blue Agate is all about the patterns. Named for its characteristic white or light blue banding, it creates a visual effect similar to delicate lacework. Typically has a price point of $2-$60 per carat, depending on the quality and intensity of its banding. Its mesmerizing patterns have long been associated with tranquility and grace, imbuing a sense of peace to those who wear it.

Blue Agate vs. Blue Lace Agate

Understand that Blue Lace Agate and Blue Agate are used interchangeably to denote a similar banded chalcedony. Blue agate is popularly known as Blue Lace Agate due to the soft colors it exhibits in concentric layers. The beautiful blue color makes this stone a top gem for jewelry enthusiasts and gem collectors. It stands out among other stones because of its softness and exquisite appearance.

Energy practitioners regard this stone as a powerful gemstone because it resembles water. There is one subtype of the blue agate found in only one place, Holley in Oregon. Because of where it is mined and its rarity, the particular gemstone is named Holley/Holly blue agate.

Blue Agate VS. Blue Kyanite

Blue Agate, with its light blue and white banding, and Blue Kyanite, with its gradient of blues, both emit a calming energy.

Blue Agate is associated with communication and clarity, while Blue Kyanite is believed to align energies and enhance communication.

When it comes to cost, Blue Agate usually ranges from $2-$25 per piece, while Blue Kyanite varies from $2-$100 per piece.