Agate Meaning: Types of Agate, Botswana Agate and Their Properties
No two agates are ever the same. Slice one open and you might find rings like a tree trunk, lace like a Victorian collar, moss-green gardens, sparkling crystal caves or bands the colour of a desert sunset. Agate has been treasured for over three thousand years, and it comes in more patterns than almost any other stone.
In this guide we explore what agate means, the main types of agate (including Botswana agate), what each one is known for, and how to tell them apart and care for them.
| Colour | Every colour, usually in bands, lace or moss-like patterns |
| Mineral | Chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz) |
| Hardness | 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale |
| Chakras | Depends on colour; agate in general is linked with the root |
| Zodiac | Gemini (and Scorpio for Botswana agate) |
| Element | Earth |
| Keywords | Grounding, balance, stability, protection |
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What Is Agate?
Agate is a banded form of chalcedony, the microcrystalline quartz that also gives us carnelian, onyx and chrysoprase. It usually forms inside cavities in volcanic rock, where silica-rich water seeps in and deposits layer after layer over thousands of years. Each layer can carry a different trace of iron, manganese or other minerals, which is why agates are so wildly varied.
Its name comes from the Achates river in Sicily (today the Dirillo), where the Greek philosopher Theophrastus wrote about it more than two thousand years ago. Agate has been carved into beads, seals, cups and amulets ever since, and it was one of the stones said to be set in the breastplate of the high priest in the Bible.
Agate Meaning
Agate is a stone of grounding and balance. Its slow, layered formation has made it a symbol of stability, patience and steady strength, and it's often described as a calm, protective stone that helps you feel settled in yourself. Each type adds its own flavour, from the soft calm of blue lace agate to the cheerful energy of crazy lace.
Types of Agate and Their Meanings
Botswana Agate
Botswana agate comes from the Bobonong region of Botswana in southern Africa. It's famous for its fine, tightly packed bands in soft grey, pink, peach, white and smoky brown, sometimes with a sparkling crystal centre. It's the most gentle and comforting of the agates, linked with nurturing, emotional strength and patience, and with Scorpio among the zodiac signs. Its key qualities are nurturing, balance, strength, grounding, protection, creativity, confidence, intuition and patience.
Blue Lace Agate
Pale blue with delicate white lacy bands, blue lace agate is the calming, soft-spoken agate, linked with the throat chakra and gentle communication. Read our full blue lace agate guide or browse our blue lace agate jewellery.
Moss Agate
Not really banded at all, moss agate is clear or milky chalcedony filled with green, moss-like mineral growths. It's the gardener's stone, linked with growth, abundance and a love of nature. Read our moss agate meaning guide or browse our moss agate jewellery.
Crazy Lace Agate
From Mexico, crazy lace agate is a riot of swirling cream, red, brown and gold. It's nicknamed the laughter stone and is linked with joy, optimism and a light-hearted outlook. Try our crazy lace agate silk necklace.
Montana Agate
Found in the gravels of the Yellowstone River in Montana, USA, this agate is clear to smoky with dark moss-like inclusions, like ink drawn through water. It's linked with clarity, calm and connection with wild places. See our Montana agate silk necklace.
Druzy Agate
Druzy agate is coated with a glittering crust of tiny quartz crystals, often dyed black or left white. It's linked with abundance, sparkle and celebration. Try our black druzy or white druzy agate silk necklaces.
Yellow Agate
Sunny, golden yellow agate is linked with confidence, positivity and the solar plexus chakra. Read our yellow agate guide.
Indian Agate
Earthy and multicoloured, Indian agate is a grounding, everyday stone linked with stability and strength. Our Indian agate bead bracelet is an easy way to wear it.
Agate Properties and Benefits
- Grounding: the classic steadying stone, built up layer by patient layer.
- Balance: associated with emotional stability and a calm, even outlook.
- Protection: carried as an amulet for thousands of years. See our guide to crystals for protection.
- Patience: a reminder that good things grow slowly.
- Confidence: linked with steady inner strength.
Agate Chakras and Zodiac Signs
Agate's chakra depends on its colour: blue lace agate for the throat, moss agate for the heart, yellow agate for the solar plexus and earthy agates for the root. Agate is a traditional stone for Gemini, and Botswana agate is especially linked with Scorpio. Agate is also an old traditional birthstone for May and June. Find more pairings in our zodiac crystal guide.
How to Tell Types of Agate Apart
Look at the pattern. Fine, tight parallel bands in greys and pinks usually mean Botswana agate; pale blue with white lace is blue lace agate; green inclusions that look like moss or trees are moss or Montana agate; wild swirls of red, cream and gold are crazy lace. Be aware that very bright blue, pink, purple or green agate slices are almost always dyed, which is fine as long as it's sold honestly.
Cleansing and Caring for Agate
At 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, agate is tough and happy to be worn every day. Clean it with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth; dyed agates are best kept out of long soaks and strong sunlight. Cleanse it with moonlight, sound or smoke. Our guide to cleansing crystals and guide to charging crystals explain each method.
Explore more of the chalcedony family in our guides to carnelian, onyx, chrysoprase and blue chalcedony, or look up any stone in our A-Z Crystal Guide.
Every piece is cleansed, energy infused, vegan and cruelty free, and 5% of all proceeds go to Pacific Wild to help protect the Great Bear Rainforest.
Agate FAQs
What does agate mean?
Agate is a stone of grounding, balance and stability. Each type adds its own meaning, from calm blue lace agate to joyful crazy lace.
How many types of agate are there?
There are hundreds of named varieties. Popular types include Botswana, blue lace, moss, crazy lace, Montana, druzy, yellow and Indian agate.
What is Botswana agate good for?
Botswana agate is associated with nurturing, comfort, emotional strength and patience. It's the gentlest of the agates.
Where does Botswana agate come from?
Botswana agate comes from the Bobonong region of eastern Botswana in southern Africa.
Is agate a type of quartz?
Yes. Agate is a banded form of chalcedony, which is microcrystalline quartz.
Can agate go in water?
Yes. Natural agate is hard and not porous, so a rinse in lukewarm water is fine. Keep dyed agate out of long soaks.
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