Agate is a microcrystalline variety of quartz used by the jewelry industry as a gemstone. Agates have a Mohs scale of hardness of 7 and vary in color from orange and brown, to grey, blue and pale green. Agates are also characterized by colorful lines which run through the stone in varying widths.
Agates are named after the river Achates, where Greek philosopher Theophrastus found the first stones sometime between the 4th and 3rd centuries.
There are many varieties of agates, such as Faceted Botswana agate, Turritella agate, Brazilian agate, Banded agate, Agatized Coral agate and Montana moss agate – all of which share the same mineral qualities, but differ in color and striation. Fire agates seem to glow with an internal flame – hence their name.
Agate is believed to have been one of the Hoshen stones – the gems adorning the ceremonial breastplate worn by the high priest of the ancient Israelites. It cannot be produced artificially and can only be found in nature.
Fire agates have been used to create tools, utensils and various ornaments such as vases in various ancient cultures, especially in Byzantine times.
Fire agates are found mainly in the United States and Mexico.
