Product Description
Agate Black Tumbled Stone .75"-1"
Mineral Information:
Black Agate is a variety of agate that exhibits predominantly black or dark gray coloration. Agate is a form of chalcedony, which is a type of microcrystalline quartz. It is known for its banded appearance, but Black Agate typically lacks visible banding and instead showcases a solid, opaque black color.
The black color in Black Agate is usually caused by the presence of microscopic mineral inclusions or impurities, such as carbon or iron oxide. These impurities give the stone its dark coloration and create a sense of depth and richness.
Black Agate is commonly used in jewelry making, carved into beads, cabochons, and ornamental objects. Its sleek black appearance makes it versatile and suitable for both men's and women's jewelry designs. It can be used as a focal stone or combined with other gemstones for contrast and accentuation.
Metaphysical Meaning:
Black Agate is believed to possess grounding and protective properties. It is often associated with the root chakra and is believed to help in balancing energies, providing stability, and promoting emotional healing. Black Agate is also thought to shield against negative energies and promote inner strength and courage.
Mineral Care:
Agate is a variety of chalcedony, which is a type of microcrystalline quartz. While agate is known for its beauty and durability, it is not completely immune to fragility. Several factors contribute to the fragility of agate:
Structure: Agate has a compact and microcrystalline structure composed of fine interlocking crystals. This structure can make agate relatively brittle and prone to fracturing or chipping when subjected to external forces or impacts. Agate may have natural fractures or weak areas within its structure, making those parts more susceptible to breakage.
Cleavage: Most varieties of agate do not exhibit cleavage, which means they lack preferred planes along which the mineral can easily split. This can contribute to their overall durability. However, if agate contains inclusions or impurities that are more brittle or have different hardness, those areas might be more prone to breakage.
Hardness: Agate has a hardness of approximately 7 on the Mohs scale, which means it is relatively hard and resistant to scratching. However, despite its hardness, agate can still be susceptible to damage if it comes into contact with harder materials or is subjected to excessive force. Care should be taken to avoid impacts or collisions that could lead to fractures or chips.
Environmental factors: Agate can be sensitive to environmental conditions. Extreme temperature changes, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and high humidity levels can potentially affect the stability and integrity of agate. These factors can lead to thermal stress or cause the agate to expand or contract, increasing the risk of damage or breakage.
While agate is generally considered a durable mineral, it is important to handle and store it with care to minimize the risk of damage. Avoid dropping or subjecting it to sudden impacts, keep it away from extreme temperatures, and store it in a safe and stable location to maintain its longevity and appearance.
Disclaimer:
No information here is intended to diagnose, treat or cure ailments or afflictions of any kind. One should always consult a medical professional if a serious issue presents itself.
