Delve Into: Moss Agate

 

What is Moss Agate?

Moss Agates are not banded like typical agate stones and based on the scientific definition, are not considered true agates. Like true agates, the Moss Agate is primarily composed of quartz but instead of the traditional banding, it is full with beautiful and intricate dendritic inclusions. These inclusions within can resemble moss and ferns, while this may look like true organic matter is trapped inside, sadly this is not the case. Moss Agate actually formed from the weathering of strong volcanic rock. The deep colors and vibrant patterns are simply due to different levels of oxidation of the crystals within. It is clear to milky white, with dendritic inclusions of manganese or iron that has grown into patterns similar to moss or lichen. Spots of red may occur in some specimens, and occasionally the crystal can be dark green with bluish inclusions. 

Moss Agate has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale.

 

History of Moss Agate

Moss Agate can be found across the world including in India, Brazil, Uruguay, the United States and central Europe. With the most commercialized deposits being found in India, around 75% of all Moss Agate on the market is directly sourced from this one place.

Depending on where the stone is excavated, Moss Agate can sometimes be referred to as Mocha Stone in reference to the port city of Mocha in Yemen.

Like many other gemstones, Moss Agate is commonly used for jewelry and ornamentation. It is valued for its uses as a healing stone and in the 18th century Britain, Moss Agate was considered a symbol of good luck and was used widely as a good luck charm when used in jewelry. Some records also describe farmers in Europe using the stone to hang from trees around their crops and attaching them to the horns of work animals such as oxen to help bring good luck and enhance crop harvests. 

 

What is Moss Agate used for?

Moss Agate can help create harmony in your life. If you feel like everything is a mess at work and with your personal life, it can help you make sense of things and figure out just what you need to do.

This is a stone that can dissolve the stresses of everyday life & the pressures of society and show you that you are the only one in charge of your life.

It’s energies inspire hope and trust, and can make you feel that even if things aren’t going right just now, everything will fall into place when the time is right.

The grounding influence of Moss Agate will help you maintain your connection to the Earth. You will be filled with the desire to spend your days outdoors, communing with nature, and basking in the natural beauty that’s simply everywhere.