Banded agate is a form of microcrystalline quartz. As a member of the quartz family, it has essential durability and hardness and is a natural favorite by jewelry collection circles. This gem is formed by the slow deposition of silica underground for millions of years.
The deposition is concentric, and the beautiful banding patterns result as more layers are added to the cavity. A gemstone with several layers of crystal is referred to as a geode.
Banded agates come in many colors, from yellow, black, pink, gray, red, white, and brown. The variations in banded agate color result from inclusions or what experts call impurities in the gemstone. As groundwater seeps into cavities, it brings different elements and minerals to the mix, resulting in several chemical and physical interactions.
Banded agate is often sold as a tumbled stone. Since banded agate is cheaper than other precious stones and is not too hard, this gem is perfect for beginning jewelry makers who want to learn how to perform tumbling correctly. Banded agate is often processed and refined alongside other specimens in the large quartz family.
One of the downsides of working with agate is the colors tend to be unimpressive. However, the surface of agates is often porous, which means dyeing is easier and more effective. When an agate has naturally unique colors that resemble a horizon, its value goes up as these are sought-after by many jewelry collectors.
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Banded Agate Meaning
The azure colors of banded agate are associated with calmness, peace, and balance. This gemstone is best suited for people who suffer from balancing issues with their life. If you feel that you can’t ‘get a grip on your life and your responsibilities are getting out of hand, you may need the cleansing and balancing effects of banded agate.
Other signs that you may need more work-life balance are: you always feel fatigued for no reason, your mood never improves and is never ‘up,’ you want the day to end even if you are not doing anything, you are constantly getting into fights with others for the minor things, and you feel generally unhappy with your life. Know that these events are merely signs, and they need not be permanent events in your life.
What is more important is you have spotted the signs and are interested in handling them with energetic crystal healing.
The first step with work-life balancing is figuring out where your time goes. This is called an energetic reassessment, and you can do it at home, or you may seek the help of an energy practitioner who can guide you through the assessment. Energetic crystal healing can always be used in conjunction with professional therapy, so fear not, there won’t be any clashes when you begin your path to energetic healing.
Banded Agate Healing Properties
Banded agate comes in many forms, and each state has its own set of healing properties. Let’s explore the various healing properties and metaphysical capabilities of different banded agate stones.
- Blue lace agate – Blue lace agate is naturally smooth and calming. It reminds everyone of the gentleness of the world, including the cold winters. It can help stimulate and rejuvenate your emotions and fix certain attitudes that are getting in the way of having an everyday life. Blue lace is not effective as warding stones, but its energetic circular flow is excellent for lifting the mind and spirit.
- Crazy lace agate – Aligned with its eclectic appearance, crazy lace agate is also known as the Laughter Stone. This variation is intimately associated with joyous celebrations in Mexico, where dancing and laughter are the spirits of many occasions. Crazy lace agate boosts the confidence of its holder and provides encouragement and support of all kinds. It makes people happier and more optimistic. The randomness of the design stimulates the spirit and mind and rejuvenates a person’s energetic flow.
- Dendritic agate – Widely known as the Stone of Plenitude. This banded agate is suitable for crystal matrices that seek to improve abundance and financial stability. Whether you are engaged in agriculture or just about any venture, dendritic agate is there to provide support. This banded agate has a close affinity with the woodland spirits and entities and is a favorite of magic practitioners.
- Fire agate – Fire agate is a unique stone because it carries the universal flame of perfection. This brown crystal is very mysterious because it emits incredible, powerful energy that anyone can feel in its presence. Touch the surface of the gemstone, and you will understand the great power it holds. Fire agate is naturally warming and provides spiritual substance as it is intimately linked with the fire element.
- Moss agate – Moss agate is very down-to-earth and is a worthy crystal for cleansing and spiritual balancing. It emits a moderate energy frequency, and you can use it to bring happiness and contentment into your life. Moss agate is also supportive of cleansing rituals and agriculture and is also closely linked with the metaphysical realm of supernatural entities. Unlike other banded agates, moss agate may be used as a talisman of strength. It is a gemstone for fighters and warriors, offering both offensive power and defense against evil.
In a general sense, all banded agates help people attain a higher maturity, composure, and overall stability. Stability is measure across different realms of the self, and banded agate happens to affect the mind, body, and spirit. Use banded agate when you are at risk – like driving, traveling or if you are pregnant. It is a worthy companion, and it will provide energy and motivation when your spirit is flagging because of stress and problems. Banded agate is often worn between the breasts (for women) or simply on the chest for men. Let the gemstone rest close to the heart.
Banded agate has been known to quench the first things that are not helpful to people, such as vices and revenge. Use this gemstone to make your life 100% balanced again.
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