Agate, a member of the quartz family formed in
the recesses of volcanic rocks, is found in a
variety of colors: red, green, blue, brown, gray and
striped. Since Antiquity, agate has been one of the
most popular stones for talismans and amulets,
and remarkable powers are ascribed to each of
the different varieties. The use of agate amulets
bas continued unabated into modern times,
though early examples exist from the Sumerian
and Egyptian cultures, dating back four millennia
before Christ. In addition to jewelry, agate was
carved into cups, dishes and works of art. The
Roman naturalist Pliny records that pharmacists
favored mortar and pestles crafted from agate, a
practice that is still common. By far the most
preferable of the agate gems is the brown, or
"tawny" type. It is believed to cure an enormous
number of ailments, including fevers, epilepsy,
schizophrenia, intestinal troubles, rheumy eyes
and difficult menstruation. It is a good antidote for
poison, and is said to quicken the intelligence.
Green agate is excellent for quelling eye diseases
and preventing sterility; blue cures depression and
sleeplessness; gray or white prevents neck
problems and stomach upset; while red (or blood)
agate was used by the Ancients as an antidote to
poisonous insect bites and other ailments spread
through the circulatory system. All varieties of
agate are useful for curing insomnia and inducing
pleasant dreams and are thought to have a
universally positive effect on those who wear
them.
- (FJ.4780)
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