History
Agate gets its name from the Achates River in present Sicily. It was where the stone was discovered by a Greek naturalist sometime between 400 and 300 B.C. In its natural form, agate–especially South American agate–is often grey. Like many other variations of agate, the color in blue agate is most often achieved through dyeing, although some blue agate, such as “Holley blue agate” and blue lace agate occur naturally. The art of dyeing was known to the Romans; however, dying agate has been a closely guarded secret that has been perfected in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, one of the most important centers for cutting and dyeing since the early 16th century.
Metaphysical Properties
Agate is the birthstone for the zodiac sign of Gemini, but is not a traditional birthstone for a birth month. Blue is associated with truth, loyalty and reliability. Its importance for healing has been recognized since the Golden Age of Greece. It was revered in ancient Indian and Chinese civilizations. Today, healers who work with color use blue stones for diagnosing and treating throat-related problems. And, poise and serenity have always been associated with blue light. Even the expression “feeling blue” comes from blue’s cool, sedative effect. No wonder even people who don’t “love blue” are drawn to people who do.
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