Agate

Upon request I am writing  a post on the gemstone called AGATE. Also known as ‘AQEEQ’ in Arabic, Urdu, farsi and hindi.

Depending on the color of agate it is called different names. Example; a red color agate may be called ‘aqeeq ahmer’ [Arabic] or ‘aqeeq surkh’[urdu]. I was informed by the same friend [who requested me to write this article] about agate being called Sulaimani Aqeeq. I was quite unaware of this fact. So I googled it. This is what my search came up with;

             A certain banded ‘agate is also known as "Sulemani" agate or Solomon's Agate. Tradition has it that the source of this type of agate came from the legendary King Solomon's Mines. He existed about 3000 years ago, and built the Temple in Jerusalem, so it fits in with the timeline. Buddhism came along 2500 years ago and there would have been a plentiful supply of this kind of bead available, as they were traded widely along the Silk Road. It is entirely possible, but totally unprovable, that these mines were indeed the source of the agate.’  From what I can tell , usually sulaimani agate/aqeeq is ‘banded’ that is, has band like lines running through it. Like the picture below taken from http://www.ancientbead.com/sulemani_agate_beads.html

Sulemani aqeeq also known as buddhist beads

Agate is from the family of ‘Chalcedony’ and Chalcedony is formed from layers of Quartz. Other gems from the family of Chalcedony are Carnelian, Sard, Saradonyx, Jasper and moss agate. It is found  all over the world including: the Africa, Asia, Brazil, Egypt, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, and the USA.

Agate usually has a layered appearance consisting of curved or angular bands. The bands sometimes look like eyes, fanciful scallops, or even a landscape with trees. Moss agate is transparent to semi translucent with green brown or black inclusions that resemble moss and is found mainly in India and U.S.A.

Moss Agate

 Typical cutting style for agate is carving, bead and cabochons [rounded, smooth dome shaped cuts, usually flat on one side and dome shape on one side. Opposite to faceted stones that have angles]

Agates are quite commonly available. Their colors range from brownish black to orange ish red commonly to green. Their prices vary from quite cheap to expensive if the piece is thought to be unique. An idea of prices is available at this site www.gemselect.com

I hope this article was helpful. Would be happy to answer any queries. Thank you.