Many people get confused between Agate and Jasper, mostly because they are both Chalcedony’s, comprised of cryptocrystalline quartz, with the same chemical composition (SiO2). How do you tell Fancy Agate apart from Fancy Jasper? If you hold a light up behind each one, the Agate will appear more translucent than the Jasper. Both contain a variety of colors, hence the “fancy” in their names. Agates, however, have banding in their colored patterns.

Agate is formed with bands of microscopic quartz crystals. Agate is a grounding stone as well as a spiritual stone, allowing for one to bring their spiritual experiences into their everyday reality. Agate is believed to improve mental functions and can help where issues of clarity and stability are concerned. Agate is also helpful in overcoming negative emotions by bringing love into the chakras. Although they work very slowly and deliberately, this gentle nature of Agate helps it to have a lasting impact.

Physically, Agate helps the immune system, supports the eyes, eases gastrointestinal troubles, and reduces varicose veins. [4]