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Agate

Agate derives its name from the Greek "Agate" - happy. According to another theory the word Agate comes from the Greek name of a stone found in the Achates River in Sicily, now known as the Drillo River, which still remains a major source of this stone.

Agate guards against danger. Wearers become temperate, continent and cautious. It helps one view themselves with more clarity and see the world through a broader viewpoint. Wearing Agate is believed to cure insomnia and to insure pleasant dreams. Agate is cooling stone, it reduces fever, quenches thirst, beneficial in stomach area. It quiets the pulse and heart throbs and insures good health and a long and prosperous life.

Agate comes in most colors. Agates range from transparent to opaque in a variety of beautiful colors. Varieties include Blue, Blue Lace, Crazy Lace, Green, Indian, Moss, Tree and Wood.

Even before we knew about Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement and color, most of us knew we felt better when we had green plants and trees around us. According to Feng Shui, that's because green is a benevolent, humanistic color. Like all color, it affects us even when we don't know it.

In this stone, the spiritual power of green is combined with that of agate. According to modern healers who use stones in healing, green agate corresponds to someone who is compassionate, generous, has good fortune and a keen sense of justice. It also encourages those traits in others. We'd all be happier if a whole lot more people started wearing green agate.

Agate is the birthstone of Taurus (Bull): April 20 - May 20.