How to tell if an agate is real or not?
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Agate: properties, characteristics, fakes and how to care for the stone
Agate (a type of chalcedony quartz) is one of the first semi-precious stones known to mankind. The ancient Egyptians began using it as jewelry over 3000 years ago. And the ancient Romans cut seals out of it. The origin of the name of the stone has several versions. First: from the ancient Roman digging pit on the Achates River, where this stone was mined. Second: from the Greek word (ἀγαθός) “abates” – kind, good.
History of the use of agate
Agate is a mysterious stone. Since ancient times it has been used by magicians, shamans, and priests. Representatives of many ancient cultures around the world made amulets and talismans from it. People believed that it protects the owner from negative external influences, and also gives him peace of mind and organizes his thoughts. Black agate is considered the stone of the lord of the world. Moreover, people believed that by possessing black agate, one could even control hell. White agate was considered the stone of the ancient Roman goddess Pomona, who was a symbol of fertility and harvest. Therefore, the Romans buried small pieces of white agate around the perimeter of the garden to get a good harvest. And also ancient Roman sculptors used white agate to depict the eyes of the statues of gods. They believed that the statue with eyes made of white agate had magical properties and protected against evil forces. Pearl miners used agate to find pearls underwater. It was believed that the stone was attracted to them like a magnet. That’s what they said: “Agate will approach the pearl and never pass by.”
What does agate look like?
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- ring agate (the pattern is arranged in rings);
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- ocellated agate (the layers form an eye pattern – a ring with a dot in the middle);
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- water agate (when part of the stone was filled with water, which then evaporated);
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- moss agate (which depicts moss);
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- landscape (landscape) agate;
How is agate obtained in nature?
At the moment, there is no single version of how stone is formed in the bowels of the Earth. We only know that agates are formed in so-called agate geodes – layered mineral deposits on the walls of depressions, voids, and fractures in volcanic rocks. It turns out that silica (which agate actually is) flows into the cavity in liquid or gel form and crystallizes or polymerizes there, depending on the geological processes occurring there. Agate geodes can contain different types of chalcedony: carnelian, chrysoprase, sapphirine, whose layers are also found in agates. And if water gets into an agate geode, then you get water agates that have a cavity with water inside. When mining such stones, the water usually evaporates, but the stone remains hollow inside.
Agate is mined in India, Brazil, Mexico, Madagascar, the United States, Uruguay, Russia (Ural, Chukotka, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Crimea), Ukraine (Rafalovka, Yanovaya Dolina).
Chemical and physical properties of agate
Agate is a mineral, silica, with the chemical formula SiO2. It is a fine-fiber aggregate of chalcedony and is also classified as a cryptocrystalline variety of quartz.
Jewelry qualities of agate
It is a fairly durable stone, ranking seventh on the Mohs scale. Its wear rate is considered low. That is, if treated correctly, it will serve its owner for many years. The stability of the stone is characterized by the following qualities:
- when heated, it may change color;
- it is quite insensitive to light. That is, you can hold it in the light and not be afraid that it will burn out or be damaged in any other way.
- in terms of exposure to chemicals, it is sensitive to hydrofluoric and nitric acids. That is, it is better not to contact the stone with acids. Therefore, when housekeeping or work related to chemistry, it is better to remove jewelry with agate.
Jewelry processing of agate
Often, semi-precious or precious stones in their original form do not represent anything remarkable. Therefore, jewelers subject stones to additional processing to give them a more attractive appearance. Agate is no exception.
While acquiring attractive features, the treated stone can also become more vulnerable to certain types of influences (chemistry, heat, light, certain substances). When purchasing, the jeweler (or owner), in theory, should honestly say that the stone has been processed and tell how to properly care for it.
So, what kind of processing are agates subjected to?
Jewelry coloring Agate painting is done using inorganic dyes. Since agate is made up of layers, each layer perceives color differently because it can have different types of porosity. Dyed agates generally wear well and are durable under normal storage conditions. But it is undesirable for them to come into contact with various chemicals, as an unexpected chemical reaction may occur. As a result, the appearance of the stone or its integrity may be damaged.
Heating agates performed to turn yellow-brown agates into bright orange or orange-red stones. The purpose of this procedure is to give the stone a more attractive color and appearance. This type of treatment is stable and changes the color of the stone forever.
How to identify a fake?
Can agate be faked? Of course they can. To do this, use agate chips (at best), plastic, glass and various dyes.
Naturally, only a qualified gemologist can identify a fake with 100% probability. But how can we determine whether a stone is fake or not at home?
- Place part of the stone in water for a few hours. If the stone is completely natural, such a procedure will not harm it. It will not fade or change color. And the water will remain the same clear. And if the stone is fake, then the water will become cloudy or colored. The part of the stone that was in the water will fade and a striking difference will be visible between the part of the stone that was immersed in water and the part that was on land.
- Agate chips, even if well pressed and polished, it will still not be able to convey the layering of the stone. Layers of agate are generally very difficult to fake. Moreover, agate chips are not as durable as solid stone. How can this method of counterfeiting be detected? You’ll have to scratch the stone a little. If this is a bead, or there is some kind of hole in the stone made by a jeweler, or the stone is attached to something, take a needle and carefully pick from the inside of the hole or from the back side, next to the fastener. The agate chips will begin to crumble.
- Resistance of natural stone to temperatures. Take the agate in your hand, make a fist and hold it. If the stone is natural, it will remain cool. The fake will quickly heat up and take on the temperature of your body.
Why is this stone fake? Because even black agate necessarily has layers and veins. But in this case, the monochromatic color of the stone raises doubts. And then you can lower the ring into water or carefully pry it out from the back with a needle.
Fake agate bracelet
The same situation: the monochromatic color of all the beads raises suspicions.
Real black agate:
Natural black agate
How to care for agate?
Steam and ultrasonic cleaning are contraindicated for agate. But you can gently wash the stone in warm, soapy water. At the same time, there is no need to rub the stone with a toothbrush. Wash it with your hands and pat dry with a soft natural fabric towel.
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Agate is a semi-precious stone that is often used in jewelry and various decorative items. Its appeal is the bright and varied colors, as well as the unique patterns created by natural inclusions in the stone. However, there is a risk of buying a fake, so it is important to know how to distinguish real agate from a fake, so as not to become a victim of scammers.
The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing an agate is its weight and density. Real agate has significant weight compared to artificial analogues. To check this, you can easily pick up several stones of different sizes and compare their weight.
The second important factor is the color of the stone. Real agate can come in a variety of shades, ranging from clear and white to vibrant reds, purples and blues. However, we should not forget that some sellers may color artificial agate to give it a high value, so it makes sense to also pay attention to the uniformity of coloring and the absence of obvious subtypes of color.
Additionally, true agate has some unique characteristics that will aid in its identification. For example, inside the agate there may be natural inclusions that give the stone its recognizable image. You can also pay attention to the gloss of the agate – a genuine stone has shine and brightness, while a fake may look dull and lifeless.
It is important to remember that it is best to only buy agate from reputable sellers who can provide a guarantee of authenticity. If you have any doubts, it is best to consult an expert or professional gemologist to be sure of the quality of your purchase. By following these tips and tricks, you can enjoy real agate for its unique beauty and magic.
How to identify real agate: useful tips for distinguishing from fake
1. Examine the color carefully. Real agate has many different shades – from transparent to deep color. A fake usually has a uniform color or is too bright and unnatural.
2. Consider the texture. Real agate often has a unique and varied texture with stunning patterns and stripes. At the same time, a fake may have smooth and even lines that are the result of artificial coloring.
3. Pay attention to transparency. True agate usually has transparency or small opaque inclusions. A fake often does not have any inclusions or has them in excess.
4. Check temperature resistance. Agate is a stone that can be heated without changing its physical properties. Place the stone on your palm and heat it by breathing or rubbing. If the stone changes color or develops cracks, it is most likely a fake.
5. Find out about the origin. True agate is usually mined in certain regions of the world such as Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico and others. If you have the opportunity, ask the seller about the origin of the stone.
As you can see, distinguishing real agate from a fake is not so difficult if you know some characteristics and techniques. Pay attention to color, texture, transparency, conduct a temperature test and find out about the origin of the stone. This way, you can be sure of the quality and authenticity when purchasing an agate.
Real agate Forgery Color Various bright shades Plain and faded Texture Smooth and uniform Uneven and patchy Rainbow effect May be present Missing or looks artificial Hardness Leaves marks on glass Does not leave marks on glass Price Usually more expensive Might be cheaper
