Agates can be found in South Western Sicily and are named from the districts where they are mined. In general there are many forms of quartz, and they can be found in many colours. Juat about all of them are beautiful to look at and no two stones are the same. The many hues they are available in include brown, rose, grey, orange, violet, yellow, green and red, and each Agate stone enhances healing certain parts of the human body.
They can be purchased as a stone which as been carved out of it original formation then smoothed and polished. When the stone is cut, and in some cases dyed, it can affect the results when used as a tool for healing.

Agate occurs in volcanic rock, and can be though of as a ‘nodule’ – silicon is deposited within cavities that occur in lava. As the silicon percolates through the lava, it is laid down in regular layers, it causes Agate’s recognisable ‘banded’ or ‘striped’ appearance.

Much of the rough original stone of Agate is sliced polished, and sold as book ends or as ornamental pieces. These gemstones have been used as amulets and talismans, and there are examples that have been unearthed in Ethiopia that are thought to be over 2 million years old. Agates were used as a form of protection; even today, people will keep agate around the home as a security measure, or at the side of the bed at night to ease insomnia.

The main healing properties of Agate are better circulation,easing the symptoms of stomach complaints and the major internal organs such as the liver, kidneys and spleen, as well as other parts of the digestive system such as the colon. A healing medium will use Agate to enhance their perception, or help to ground a person that is feeling light-headed. It can also be used in the treatment of emotional issues.