Botswana Agate History
The most royal of agates, Botswana agate is famed for its history, scarcity and beauty. These stones are mostly found in the Bobonong district of Botswana and are famous for the extra fine banding of white, black, shades of grey and occasional touches of pink or salmon hues. While some collectors only consider banded stones to be agates, others will include any multicolored forms of chalcedony in their collections.Banded agates such as this have been used for cameo and intaglio carving for thousands of years, with the layers of color revealed in carving paramount to the gemstone design. The banding revealed in agates is also appreciated for its beauty, while the stone's hardness is respected for its durability. Banded agates, worn plain as well as carved, have been used as talismans and amulets since the rise of the ancient Greeks. Agate jewelry was discovered in the grave of the "Griffin Warrior," dated around 1500 BC!
Botswana Agate Metaphysical Properties
Arachnophobes, rejoice! Botswana agate is traditionally believed to ward off spiders. It's also commonly used to improve attention to detail, increase positivity and waken your sense of adventure. Agates were used in ancient times as talismans to protect the wearer from storms, to quench thirst and to bring good luck--all important things for surviving in the subtropics.For proponents of energy work and crystal healing, Botswana agate is believed to be beneficial for anyone connected to fire or smoke. In its raw state, Botswana agate looks like the human brain, so it is also thought to be effective for brain-related conditions. It is believed to stimulate the crown chakra.
Botswana Agate Geological Properties
Agate is a chalcedony which often includes fine banding of multiple colors. Botswana agate is no exception. The intricate bands were formed by repeated floods of slow-moving lava waves over lower levels of stone, laying down successive layers of silica/quartz one over the other. The weight and pressure caused tubes, pits and pockets to form in the lower layers, creating places where multiple layers could form in smooth round shapes.This makes agate a gemstone which takes a long time to form. Botswana agate is especially desired for the extra fine banding patterns created by the landscape where it formed.
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