Agate takes its name from the Achates River in Sicily, where colorful, water-polished pebbles have been collected since at least the Roman era. A fine-grained Chalcedony made up of densely packed layers of microscopic Quartz crystals, Agate is one of the most common stones on the planet. It can form in an almost infinite array of colors and patterns, which is one reason why Agate has always been so popular with collectors.

A naturally water-polished Agate pebble with banding that takes the form of an eye is considered to be an especially lucky 'power stone' that brings its bearer wealth, plenty and protection from evil.

When working with Agate it helps to choose the color most appropriate for your goals, such as pink for love magic, green for growth and increase, blue for healing or purple for spiritual growth.

Agate has always been linked to the power of elemental Air and was a favorite stone for weather magic in Dark Age and Mediaeval texts. It was also considered to have a special affinity with apples, the sacred fruit of the Goddess in ancient times, the 'fruit of immortality' in Norse legend and widely considered to be the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge by many Christians, although apples are not specifically mentioned in Genesis as the fruit that Adam and Eve were tempted to eat. Agate's metaphysical power is said to increase if it is anointed with apple oil or placed in a charm bag with three apple seeds.

Because of its association with elemental Air, Agate is also believed to help improve mental and intellectual powers. It is said to enhance eloquence and communication skills, lend courage when speaking in public, cause your audience to be more sympathetic to your argument, open your mind to new information and help you to assimilate what you read and study more completely.

Agate is also considered to be a protective stone that repels many dangers including demons, lightning and serpents. In Celtic mythology Orange Agate is believed to be a powerful protection against Dragons (though messing around with Orange Agate has never done this dragon any harm).

Agate medallions were worn as 'lucky charms' by ancient athletes to give them extra energy during a competition and help them recover their strength afterwards ~ Agate is still used today by crystal healers to increase energy and speed recovery.