Agate, Fossil Meaning and Properties
Fossil Agate History
Various types of agate gemstones have been valued throughout history, all the way back to the Neolithic Era. It is believed these stones were originally used as amulets of healing, and this tradition continued through Ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations. The name "agate" is believed to originate with the ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus, who named the stone after the Achates River—now the Dirillo—in what is now Sicily.
Agate is a birthstone associated with the month of May, June and even September, depending on the culture. Agate as a general gemstone is also connected to the Zodiac signs Gemini and Capricorn.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Fossil Agate?
Agates, especially fossil agates with their visible ties to the past, have a deep connection to the Earth and home. The fossilized life inside the stone is said to be key in the power of this particular agate. Agate in general encourages stability, self-confidence and composure. Fossil agate, and another agate called turritella agate, contain ancient sea life and are said to help protect against danger and allow travelers to feel a connection with loved ones back home.
What is Fossil Agate Made From?
Agates are a variety of chalcedony and are a microcrystalline quartz. This distinctive form of agate is made from the combination of agate and pieces of broken shells that rested in a bed of mud for millennia. The agate hardened, and the organic material decayed. Other minerals filled the gaps in the agate, forming perfect replicas of tiny, prehistoric sea life . Fossil agate features hues of cream, light grey and pink on a dark background.
Fossil agate is not to be confused with turritella agate , though they both contain fossilized sea life. Turritella agate is easily recognized by the embedded freshwater snail shells that perfectly compliment the black, brown and cream tones of the stone. The spiral shells of the Elimia tenera make up the stone's swirling brown and white patterns. Turritella agate is mostly from North America.
- Mineral Information: Microcrystalline quartz, banded chalcedony—often infused with iron and aluminum
- Chemical Composition: SiO2
- Color: Grey background with pink and white swirls
- Hardness: 6-1/2 to 7 (Mohs)
- Specific Gravity: 2.60 – 2.65
- Refractive Index: 1.544 – 1.553
How Do You Clean Fossil Agate?
Agates in general are a hardy stone, making it easy to clean fossil agates with warm, soapy water and a brush. Gently remove dust, debris, makeup and other contaminates to keep your agate looking its best. Harsh cleaners and ultrasonic machines are not recommended for cleaning agate. Thoroughly dry agate in jewelry to prevent any extra moisture from causing tarnish in connecting metal components. Store agate jewelry away from other jewelry, since the hardness of the stone could scratch softer gem materials.
Fossil Agate FAQ
Q: Is fossil agate a true fossil or a gemstone?
A: Fossil agate is both a genuine fossil and a true gemstone. It qualifies as a fossil because it contains the mineralized remains of prehistoric plants or animals. At the same time, its natural beauty, durability and ability to be polished and shaped make it fully deserving of its status as a gemstone.
Q: Do all fossil agate beads look the same?
A: Each fossil agate bead will be unique, based on the patterns created by the mineralized remains of plants or animals around which the agate formed.
Q: How are the patterns in fossil agate created?
A: The intricate patterns in fossil agate formed as agate slowly developed around the remains of prehistoric plants or animals. Over time, the organic material decayed, leaving behind delicate cavities. These spaces were gradually filled with silica and other minerals, creating striking, stone-hard impressions that preserve the shapes and structures of ancient life.
Q: Is fossil agate safe in water?
A: While all varieties of agate are water resistant, it’s always best to remove jewelry before swimming, showering or participating in other activities where the jewelry pieces are likely to be submerged for a length of time.
Q: Is fossil agate durable enough for everyday wear?
A: Fossil agate properties make it suitable for everyday wear in jewelry, thanks to its strength, stability and resistance to scratching.
Q: Is fossil agate a good gemstone for fall-inspired jewelry?
A: With its warm browns and soft grays, fossil agate fits right in with a cozy fall wardrobe—but its earthy, organic vibe makes it easy to style in any season. Fossil agate properties include being a versatile stone that adds a grounded, natural feel to everyday looks.
Designing with Fossil Agate
Fossil agate, with its ancient inclusions, is a stone rich in quiet wonder. Every swirl and imprint tells a story of ages long gone, evoking a sense of memory, mystery and the deep passage of time. The pink and white swirls through the grey background of these beads give them an intriguing, mottled effect that pairs perfectly with vintage-inspired jewelry creations. Include fossil agate beads with shell or wood beads to heighten a sense of oceanic beauty and of ancient sea life. Play up the specific colors of each bead by pairing with like-colored gemstones. For instance, if you want to highlight the pink shades of fossil agate, try including morganite , pink sapphire, rhodonite, pink opal or tourmaline gemstones.
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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