Agate, Crazy Lace Meaning and Properties
Crazy Lace Agate History
Crazy lace agate (also called Mexican Agate) is young in comparison to many other minerals on Earth. Crazy lace agate is believed to have been created in the cretaceous period, about 65-90 million years ago. Found exclusively within the area known as Chihuahua in Northern Mexico, this lacy agate is known not only for its stunning banded patterns, but its powerful healing energies as well.
Since it's only found in Mexico, crazy lace agate is thought to retain much of the energy of that area, in particular the tribal energies from ancient cultures that are still surrounded in mystery. There is evidence this agate was worn as an amulet by the earliest inhabitants of Mexico for endurance and courage in battle.
Discover the beauty, history, properties and care of crazy lace agate with our very own graduate gemologist, Dev. In this video, learn how this stone earned its name and how to craft a quick and easy bangle bracelet featuring a crazy lace agate cabochon.
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Crazy Lace Agate?
Like other agates and silica rocks, crazy lace agate properties are thought to include being a good general healing stone. Crazy lace agate meaning is commonly referred to as the "laughter stone," or "happy lace." It's said to be a balancing and protecting stone, believed to ward off the "evil eye," bringing joy and absorbing emotional pain.
Crazy lace agate is purported to help increase one's energy and encourage concentration, so that one can stay on task and complete goals much easier. This stone's help with focusing makes it a great stone for those with ADHD. It is said this stone promotes inner stability, composure and maturity, and its warm protective properties encourage security and self-confidence.
What Chakra is Crazy Lace Agate?
Chakras are seen as energetic bridges that link body, mind and spirit—each one playing a role in how we feel, think and show up in the world. Wearing a chakra bracelet with meaningful stones is a beautiful, low-key way to carry those vibes with you all day long. Crazy lace agate, with its wild, swirling patterns, is connected to the third eye and crown chakras, and is thought to lift the spirit, clear the mind and spark inner wisdom. It’s a stone for clarity and joy—perfect for tapping into higher energy while staying rooted in your own rhythm.
Third Eye Chakra (Anja) - Blue or Indigo
- Location: pituitary gland
- Represents: awareness; self-awareness; inner guidance; intuition; focus
- Emotional issues: imagination; acceptance and guidance of the higher self; decision-making
- Spiritual issues: balancing base instincts with higher impulses
- Physical issues: damage to brain tissues; eyesight; endocrine system
- Gemstones: lapis lazuli, sodalite, crazy lace agate
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) - Purple
- Location: top of the head or above the head entirely
- Represents: state of pure consciousness
- Emotional issues: spirituality; psychic abilities; inner and outer beauty; bliss
- Spiritual issues: connection to the universe; spiritual rebirth
- Physical issues: overall well-being
- Gemstones: amethyst, crystal quartz, white topaz
What is Crazy Lace Agate Made From?
Crazy lace agate is a banded chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz) that's infused with iron and aluminum and is often brightly colored and complexly patterned. This produces the creamy browns, blacks, greys and golds (and occasional pinks or reds) swirled together in this stone. It is found exclusively within the area known as Chihuahua, in Northern Mexico.
- Mineral Information: Microcrystalline quartz, banded chalcedony—often infused with iron and aluminum
- Chemical Composition: SiO2
- Color: Whites, browns, blacks, greys, golds, pinks
- Hardness: 6-1/2 to 7 (Mohs)
- Specific Gravity: 2.60 – 2.65
- Refractive Index: 1.544 – 1.553
How Do You Clean Crazy Lace Agate?
Clean crazy lace agate using warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Although it has a high hardness, crazy lace agate can still be scratched or damaged by gemstones with a higher hardness, as well as other materials. Avoid using household chemicals when cleaning crazy lace agate beads, components or jewelry. This stone can be sensitive to heat, especially if it has been dyed, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade color-enhanced types. Store crazy lace agate inside a fabric-lined box or wrapped in a soft cloth.
Crazy Lace Agate FAQ
Q: Is crazy lace agate natural or dyed?
A: Crazy lace agate’s natural colors are all earthy—reds, greys, browns, yellows, oranges and whites, although occasionally it will have streaks of green, blue or pink. Crazy lace agate stones in vibrant shades of pink, blue, purple, green and even rainbow are usually the result of dyeing.
Q: Does crazy lace agate look better in boho or elegant jewelry designs?
A: Crazy lace agate is a versatile gemstone that shines as the centerpiece in a wide range of jewelry styles. Its organic, free-flowing patterns speak to the boho spirit, while its intricate detail and glossy finish lend an air of effortless elegance.
Q: Why is crazy lace agate so many different colors?
A: Crazy lace agate’s vibrant patterns and wide range of colors come from the various minerals that were deposited during its formation. Each mineral contributes a different hue, creating the stone’s signature swirls, bands and intricate designs.
Q: Will crazy lace agate beads' color fade in sunlight?
A: The colors in natural crazy lace agate are stable and won't fade in sunlight. However, dyed varieties are more vulnerable and may gradually lose their vibrant hues with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
Q: Are the swirls in crazy lace agate natural and manmade patterns?
A: Even though the patterns in crazy lace agate look like the work of an artist’s marbling efforts, the swirls are one of most acclaimed of all the crazy lace agate properties. The complex patterns are the result of alternating layers of different minerals that are laid down over a very long time.
Designing with Crazy Lace Agate
Crazy lace agate's colors and designs are like a wonderful quilt you want to wrap around you. Creamy browns, blacks, golds and occasional pinks swirl together, creating complex patterns that make this a unique agate. Combine it with other earth-colored gemstones or use it alone, whether in strands, earrings or pendants. It compliments autumn fashions or can make a welcome change from the bright colors of summer. Use it wherever you want to combine calmness, earth tones and your own uniqueness.
A Few Design Inspirations to Get You Started
Follow along with Patti to learn how to make a crazy lace agate wire-wrapped pendant. Discover how she selects the right wire for projects, how to clean the wire if it tarnishes, why wrapped loops are so important and more!
Shop for Crazy Lace Agate
**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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