What are the different types of jewelry made from agates? How early in human history was this gem used? What were the powers and abilities it was thought to possess?
Description of Gem
Agates are a variety of chalcedony stones, a family of gems that includes carnelians, the onyx stone, chrysoprase, sardonyx and jaspers.
Most agates form in cavities as nodules within volcanic rock as silica-rich fluids deposit layers over time.
This gem often contains trace elements incorporated into their crystal structure. The most common of these elements are aluminum, calcium, potassium, sodium, and iron.
The most notable varieties of agates include those named blue lace, moss, fire, Botswana and crazy lace.
Sources
Agates are commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, Botswana, India, Madagascar, and Mexico.
How Hard Is it?
Agates have a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It shares the same hardness as other Bible gemstones such as jasper, onyx, chrysolite, chalcedony, chrysoprase, peridot and carnelian.
Biblical Occurrences
Agates are mentioned, by name, four times in four Bible verses. It is found twice in the book of Exodus and once each in Isaiah and Ezekiel.
This precious stone was embedded in the High Priest's breastplate. It was located in the third of four rows of stones, which each row having three precious gems.
And thou shalt make the breastplate of judgment with cunning work; after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it . . . And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones . . .
And the third row a ligure, an agate (Hebrew shebu, Strong's Concordance #H7618), and an amethyst. (Exodus 28:15, 17, 19, see also 39:12, King James throughout).
Comforting Jerusalem
God promises, in the Bible, that one day the afflictions of Jerusalem will end and she will be comforted. One of the comforts she will receive will be to be rebuilt using precious gemstones.
O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones. (Isaiah 54:11 - 12).
Wealth of Tyre
Ezekiel 27 delineates many of the trading partners of ancient Tyre which shows her wealth and vast influence. One of these partners, Syria, provided the city with precious stones and other high-end goods.
Syria was thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate. (Ezekiel 27:16).
Other Uses
Jewelers made and engraved personal seals that were used to secure and authenticate documents. While the poor could only afford seals made from terracotta, the rich had beautiful seals made from carnelians, agates, jaspers, rock crystals and other stones (Lion Encyclopedia of the Bible, jewelry section).
Precious and semi-precious gemstones like agates were commonly used for jewelry such as pins, brooches, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. They were also used for beads.
"Beads, commonly made of rock crystal, amber, shells, and agates of two or three colors, were widely owned and used by women.
"They could also be more handsomely put together of more expensive semiprecious stones, such as lapis lazuli . . . carnelian, onyx, and jasper. Amethyst beads would be very luxurious." (Harper's Encyclopedia of Bible Life, section on jewelry).
The Egyptians, as early as 3500 B.C., began to collect agates. They used them for amulets, talismans, carved seals, signets, finger rings, goblets, cups, bottles and bowls (Gemstones in the Breastplate, page 8).
Facts and Folklore
Agates take their name from the river Achates on the island of Sicily where they were initially found in abundance.
The Lake Superior agate (the biggest of the five Great Lakes in the U. S.) is the official gemstone of the state of Minnesota.
Agates were once believed to make those who wear them persuasive, agreeable, and possess God's favor (Curious Lore of Precious Stones, pages 51 - 52).
This gem was thought to give the wearer strength and a bold heart, protected them from all danger, and even made them able to avert lightning strikes. They were also believed not only to cure insomnia but also to guarantee good dreams (ibid.).
Agates, at one time, were also associated with strength, stability, protection, balance, and grounding.
A 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia article on precious stones says that agates were thought to not only render all poisons as harmless, but also counter contagious diseases and even halt a fever. The stone was even credited with sharpening the vision of those who wore it!