Agate is the banded form of the mineral Chalcedony , which is a microcrystalline variety of Quartz. Agate is the most varied and popular type of Chalcedony, having many varieties on its own. Although the pattern on every Agate is unique, the locality of an Agate will provide resemblances in banding style and color, thus lending many Agates with a geographic prefix. Agate usually forms in rounded  nodules or knobs which need to be sliced open to bring out the internal pattern hidden in the stone. The formation of Agate is most often from deposition of layers of silica filling voids in volcanic vesicles or other cavities. The layers form in stages with some of new layers providing an alternating color. Since the cavities are irregularly and uniquely shaped, each Agate forms its own pattern based on the original cavity shape. When a cavity is completely filled, it forms a solid mass of Agate, but often it is only partially filled, leaving a hollow void which often has crystallineQuartz growths on its innermost layer. This is the cause of Agate forming the outer lining of most geodes.

✻ Hope ✻ Unity ✻ Cleansing ✻ Harmony ✻ Protection ✻ Optimism ✻ Positive thinking ✻ Joy ✻ Truth ✻ Purification ✻ Promptness ✻ Calming ✻ Appreciation for nature ✻ Smooth energy flow ✻

In addition to the generic healing properties of Agate and Chalcedony, the Blue Lace Agate variety is a very cooling and calming stone, endowing us with a sense of peace and tranquility.  It assists with verbal expression of thoughts and feelings.  Blue Lace Agate is a great nurturing and supportive stone, neutralising anger, infection, inflammation and fever.