Various superstitions and beliefs are associated with noble stones. These are not only decorations, but also talismans that bring happiness, protect from diseases and troubles. One of these amulets is moss agate - a type of layered quartz with a waxy sheen. He has long attracted the attention of alchemists and connoisseurs of gems. In ancient times it was called the stone of longevity, health and prosperity.
History and origins
There is still no exact information on the origin of agates. It is assumed that the stones were formed as a result of processes associated with the mixing of true solutions, or were born due to the crystallization of silica gels or its polymerization during the formation of chalcedony.
The origin of moss agate is a mystery to mankind. The unique stone belongs to dendrites and has no obvious layering - it is colorless, slightly translucent and contains green hornblende inclusions, which form a pattern resembling moss.
An interesting structure of the mineral was formed during accelerated or constrained crystallization:
Sometimes iron elements are oxidized in moss agate, and then it acquires a red or other dark shade.
Since ancient times, decorations, vessels and seals have been made from all varieties of agate, pictures have been carved. The stone was considered a talisman among the masters, was used in healing, to scare away the dark forces, and he was also credited with the ability to endow eloquence and intelligence, to pacify anger and storms.
Where did the name "mossy" come from?
The unusual appearance was the reason for the name of the stone, although another version claims that the unusual name was given to the mineral in honor of the city of Moha in Yemen, near which it was first found.
Place of extraction
Agate forms in both igneous and sedimentary rocks. Its deposits are found in Georgia and Armenia, in Tajikistan and Brazil, in Mongolia, India and Uruguay, in Germany and Ukraine. In Russia, the stone comes across in the Urals, Chukotka, in the Moscow region, in the Crimea.
The best moss agate is mined in India, but there are also known deposits of the mineral in the Urals, Kazakhstan, China and the state of Colorado in America.
Physicochemical characteristics
Moss agate is an opaque, translucent mineral with a waxy sheen at the fracture and glassy at the polished surface.
In terms of chemical composition, it is equivalent to silica, but the structure is heterogeneous, with a large number of impurities, including:
Healing properties
Legends are made about the healing power of moss agate. The stone is popular not only among medicine men, mediums and healers, but also among those who do not have psychic abilities. The most beautiful mineral heals various ailments.
Those with weak lungs are advised to wear agate beads or pendants around their necks.
A bracelet made of this mineral will protect from cardiac and vascular pathologies, and also cleanse the circulatory system.
Moss agate will strengthen the immune system, help overcome viral diseases and even relieve chills.
The stone stops inflammation of the skin if you apply it to the affected area and relieve thirst if you hold it in your mouth.
Agate protects against radioactive radiation and helps to cope with weather dependence.
The therapeutic abilities of layered quartz extend to the inner world of a person. The owners of the gem feel more confident, free and liberated, and their intellectual abilities increase.
Magical properties
This extraordinary stone has significant magical power, which lies in its unique pattern. Thanks to the ornament, the mineral reads the desires and needs of the owner and helps to achieve goals. He not only gives strength to solve problems, but also helps to distribute them correctly.
Every person has tremendous opportunities for development and self-healing, and moss agate helps to activate them:
In addition, moss agate is considered the patron saint of gardeners and summer residents. If you keep it with you during the cultivation of the site, then it guarantees an unprecedented harvest.
Who is suitable for the zodiac sign
All zodiac signs can wear moss agate - for everyone it will be useful in one area or another. But most of all, the stone favors Taurus. Before them, he will open all the possibilities.
Compatibility with other stones
In order for the stones to fully reveal their power, they must be worn separately from others. Or at least skillfully combine them with other gems. Moss agate, for example, is successful in tandem with onyx, dark agate, sardonyx, golden topaz, carnelian and emerald.
The stone exhibits healing properties with prenite, jadeite, aquamarine and jade.
But with zircon, ruby, diamond, aventurine and chrysolite, the mineral will certainly come into conflict. In such a community, moss agate will be completely useless.
How to wear and care
With proper care, moss agate multiplies its positive effect. That is why the stone needs to be protected and taken care of:
If everything is done correctly, the mineral will retain its appearance and extraordinary properties for many years.
How to distinguish a fake
Moss agate is used not only for inlay jewelry, but also in interior decoration. And if in the first case its price is not too high, then in the second it increases many times, given the amount of work. Therefore, natural stone is often replaced with an analogue of glass or plastic. Some do it on purpose, while others simply do not suspect that they have become a victim of deception and instead of a mineral they were sold a fake.
It is quite difficult to visually identify a forgery, but if you put your palm on a natural stone, you will feel cold, but the imitation will heat up at hand.
If there is any doubt about the authenticity of the agate in the decoration, it must be immersed in water. If the stone dims, it is not real.
When purchasing moss agate, you need to remember that bought with your own hand, it will become a talisman only after a few years. Only a gem, donated or inherited, is a genuine amulet. But the stolen mineral will never show its true qualities and will act negatively.
Author: Maria Kartashova
