Agate Geode
Agate is a type of banded chalcedony which in turn is a type of quartz. Sometimes, agates can form inside hollow rock spheres – known as geodes by geologists - and, when split in two, can create very interesting gemstones – 'agate geodes'.
Agate Geode Colors
From the outside, agate geodes look like plain old rocks but when they are split open they can reveal crystal clusters which can appear in a variety of colors and bands.
The colors depend on the impurities that were present during formation – iron or cobalt can create red hues, titanium will cause blue tints, chromium gives the agate a green color while manganese generates a pink tinge.
Agate geodes are often found with concentric bands of different colors with colored or colorless crystals in the middle.
Read more about gemstones colors here
Agate Geode Species
Simple agate is a type of chalcedony which is a kind of microcrystalline quartz. It often has bands of variable color although there are also a few single color examples in the world of gemstones.
Agate geodes are round or oval shaped rock spheres which have agate trapped within. These spheres are split to reveal the colorful agate as well as any bright crystals or concentric bands inside.
What are the spiritual benefits of Agate Geode?
Agate geodes will have all the spiritual powers possessed by simple agate such as:
- Abundance
- Emotional Strength
- Protection
- Courage and Self-confidence
See our detailed article on Agate meaning and uses
Agate Geode and the Chakras
The Chakras can be influenced by gemstones with colors that correspond to the color of the Chakra:
- Black/Red Color Geode – Root Chakra
- Green Color Geode – Heart Chakra
- Yellow/Orange Color Geode – Sacral/Solar Plexus Chakra
- White Color Geode – Crown Chakra
Find more details on Chakra gemstones here
Agate Geode Price
Agate Geodes are not particularly expensive and you should expect to pay around $2 - $5 per carat for most gemstones.
Any agate geode with clear bright colors and distinctive banding should command a better price than most but be wary of any example with very vivid colors as this could be a result of dyeing.
Carat Weight
With its irregular shape and hollow centre it is best to buy agate geodes by physical size rather than carat weight so you know exactly what you will be receiving.
For more details please refer to our full Agate Geode Info page here
Agate Geode Treatments
Most agate geodes are not enhanced in any way by treatments and are totally natural gemstones however there are many cases of the inner material being dyed to boost the colors. Any agate geode with very bright or vivid colors should be treated with suspicion.
Agate Geode History
Normal agate gemstones are one of mankind's oldest items of jewelry, often shaped into amulets or seals thousands of years ago.
Not so much is known about agate geodes but we can assume our ancestors would have been just as amazed and surprised as we are today when cracking open a dull egg-shaped rock to reveal the colorful crystals inside. No doubt magical powers would have been attributed to these wonders and they would certainly have been used for decorative purposes.
Where is Agate Geode found?
Agate Geodes are found all over the world wherever there has been thermal or volcanic activity. The USA and Mexico are famous for their geodes and Brazil, Namibia, South Africa, Australia and Europe are also well-known sources.
How are Agate Geodes formed?
In the simplest terms, Agate Geodes are formed in cavities created by air bubbles in cooling volcanic rock. Water containing silica and other minerals seep into the cavity and over millions of years harden into quartz. Technically, a geode has a hollow cavity with crystals lining the inside of the rock while a nodule is a completely filled space.
What jewelry is Agate Geode suitable for?
Agate geodes are rated at 7 on Mohs hardness scale which makes them tough enough to be used as a variety of interesting and imaginative jewelry items but this gemstone is more often used as a decorative object or for spiritual healing purposes.
Birthstones and Anniversaries
Agate geodes can be used as a mystical birthstone for September.