Gemstone Beads, Banded Agate, Natural, Round, (Dyed), Dark Cyan, 8mm

Agate gets its name from the Achates River in present Sicily. It was where the stone was discovered by a Greek naturalist sometime between 400 and 300 B.C. In its natural form, Agate especially South American agate is often grey. Like many other variations of Agate, the color in Blue Agate is most often achieved through dyeing, although some Blue Agate, such as "Holley Blue Agate" and Blue Lace Agate occur naturally. The art of dyeing was known to the Romans; however, dying Agate has been a closely guarded secret that has been perfected in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, one of the most important centers for cutting and dyeing since the early 16th century.

Agate is the birthstone for the zodiac sign of Gemini, but is not a traditional birthstone for a birth month. Blue is associated with truth, loyalty and reliability, and poise and serenity have always been associated with blue light. Even the expression "feeling blue" comes from blue's cool, sedative effect. No wonder even people who don't "love blue" are drawn to people who do.

Like other Agates, Blue Agate can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid exposure to household chemicals and extreme heat. Because of the hardness and durability of agate, it should be kept away from other gemstone and jewelry to prevent scratching softer materials.

**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Beaded Creations does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.

NB* Natural gemstone or semi precious stones come from minerals. Due to their natural form, the stones may have tiny flaws. Cutting or polishing or different batches also makes every piece of gemstone vary in color and size.

• Mohs Hardness: 6-1/2 to 7
• Diameter: 8mm
• Hole: 1mm
• Strand Length: 37.8cm
• SOLD PER STRAND - APPROXIMATELY 48 BEADS PER STRAND