Agate is a variety of chalcedony formed from layers of quartz which usually show varicolored bands. It usually occurs as rounded nodules or veins. Although agates may be found in various kinds of rock, they are typically associated with volcanic rocks but can be common in certain metamorphic rocks.
Much mythology and tradition is centered on agate. Legend says that Agate improves memory and concentration, encourages honesty, prevents insomnia and insures pleasant dreams, enhances personal courage and protects one against danger. Agate is said to be particularly beneficial to people born under the sign of Gemini as it helps them to remain calm and focused. In many traditions agate is believed to cure the stings of scorpions and the bites of snakes, and still thunder and lightning. Muslims often wear an agate ring on the right hand, the stone engraved with the name of Allah, Ali, or the names of the other eleven Imams.
Whether you believe the mythology and tradition or not you will find hard to argue with the fact that agates come in many beautiful varieties. Characterized by its fineness of grain and brightness of color agates are named by their many variations. Some named varieties are moss agate, tube agate, bog agate and plume agate.
The pictures below show some of the varieties of agate. These are mostly vein agates collected from various sites around the Owyhee Mountains of Idaho and Oregon. The Hog creek gallery contains examples of agate nodules.
