There's one word that best describes this stone: protection. Purple agate is popularly known as the stone that protects against negative energies, accidents, and natural disasters. Whether it's for you or someone you love, purple agate bestows security on anyone who possesses it.

The stone is also great for meditation and increasing spirituality. Associated with the crown chakra, it widens the intuition and allows the mind to comprehend a myriad of possibilities (which is helpful in making wise and well-calculated decisions).

Get to know purple agate more in this post.

The Physical Properties of Purple Agate

This deep purple-coloured agate (SiO2) is a chalcedony, which is a microcrystalline type of quartz. It is made up of silica and oxygen, plus one or more other elements. With a Mohs hardness rating of 6.5 to 7, agate is a durable stone that can withstand scratches and abrasion and has a waxy lustre. Agates form in all mineral environments but it is most commonly found in igneous rocks.

Purple agate is often confused with amethyst because of their identical purple hue and sheen. But when you examine both stones against light, you'll notice that agate has a more distinct translucence. Another difference is that amethyst has a softer purple shade compared to purple agate. Amethyst is also more prone to discoloration from frequent exposure to light and has noticeable markings all over its body.

Like all types of agates, the colour and banded patterns of purple agates are produced naturally and are influenced by factors such as rock geochemistry, groundwater content, and pH levels. Although some agates occur in lighter colours and are dyed to deepen their shade for commercial uses.

Purple agate is a highly versatile stone used in jewellery, ornamentation, and carved art pieces. It is found in Argentina, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Uruguay, and the USA.

The History of Purple Agate

The Greek philosopher Theophrastus first called the stone agate because he found it in the Achates River (now renamed to Dirillo River) in Sicily, Italy. Agates are among the most valued gemstones in history and there were several medicinal and talismanic properties attributed to these stones.

The early use of agates traces back to the Neolithic Era (9,000 B.C. and 3,000 B.C.). Agate gemstones were used as amulets of healing throughout the ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations.

Agate gemstones are also used as symbols of power. In ancient Mesopotamia, Agates were engraved with seals to signify that its wearer is a person of wealth and authority.

Besides its symbolic use, ancient Romans used agate to create mortar and pestles for grinding their medicines.

As a birthstone, agate is associated with the months of May, June, and September. As a gemstone, it is associated with the Zodiac signs Gemini and Capricorn.

The Lore of Purple Agate

Nyx, the Greek goddess of the night, is associated with agate. She is believed to ride a chariot painting the skies black, preventing bad dreams from occurring, and relieving people of stress.

In ancient Rome, powdered agate mixed in water was used to neutralize venom. Seafarers would wear an agate stone as an amulet against harsh weather during a voyage.

The Metaphysical Properties of Purple Agate

As a protective stone, purple agate is used as a talisman that dispels negative energies and shields people from calamities. It is believed to carry potent energies that could not only envelope its wearer in its protection but also the wearer's family and all those around them. Purple agate is recommended for invoking protection in a big household.

The purple chalcedony also promotes reconciliation. It releases positive energies in tense or heated situations where arguments and bitterness reside. As a result, relationships among families, friends, and co-workers are restored and strengthened.

This stone is also known to boost concentration and creativity and remove emotional stress that stems from anger, fear, sadness, and worry. Stress is a normal part of everyday life. But if compounding stress is getting in the way of your productivity, wearing and/or meditating with a purple agate stone might help resolve these issues.

Sources:

Forward, G. (n.d.). Agate Types & Geological Properties of the Agate Crystal. Geo Forward. Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://www.geoforward.com/agate-geology-geochemistry-mineralogy-information/

Purple Agate: The Ultimate Guide to Meaning, Properties, Uses. (2021, June 30). Gemstonist. Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://www.gemstonist.com/purple-agate/#Purple_Agate_vs_Amethyst

Rowe, H. (2022, March 10). Purple Agate: Meaning, Properties, Benefits & Cleansing. Crystal Viden Handy Advice On Crystals & Gemstones. Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://www.crystalviden.com/purple-agate/

What is Agate, Its Symbolism and Meaning - Lotus Fun Blog. (2020, September 16). Lotus Fun. Retrieved March 22, 2022, from https://www.lotusfun.com/blogs/lotusfun/what-is-agate-its-symbolism-and-meaning