No gemstone is more creatively striped by nature than agate – technically,
chalcedony quartz that forms in concentric layers in a wide variety of
colors and textures. Each individual agate forms by filling a cavity in
its host rock, resulting in round nodules, with bands like the rings of
a tree trunk, looking like eyes.
Agate was highly valued as a talisman in ancient times and has been used
as a traveler’s amulet for centuries. It is believed to bring good fortune,
health, wealth and long life. As well as quenching thirst and preventing
fevers, Persian magicians used agate to divert storms and athletes to
increase vitality. It's also said to bring self-confidence by banishing
fear. Some call its strange patterns 'cosmic caterpillar tracks'.
Others' swear that wearing these beads can heighten the spiritual
consciousness and balance the body's physical and mental states