Translated from French, “crackle” means “venous network.” This name accurately describes the stone, which is called “dragon vein” agate. The mineral has magical properties and healing qualities that help fight diseases. The crystal absorbs negative energy from the surrounding world, processes it, and endows its owner with goodness, positivity, and positive emotions. It protects a person from the evil eye, damage and witchcraft.
The peculiarity of natural agate, called “dragon veins,” is that the stone contains a large number of thin layers of chalcedony: 600-800 layers per 1 mm.
Physicochemical characteristics
Agate stone is a type of chalcedony. Refers to cryptocrystalline quartz. Resistance to acid is the main feature of all varieties of this gem.
The transparent and translucent translucent mineral has a matte shine, high hardness and medium density. In the structure of the stone, the boundaries between the layers are clearly marked, and this does not in any way affect its strength.
Main characteristics of agate:
Index | Description |
Formula | SiO2 |
Mohs hardness | 6.5-7 units |
Mineral group | silica |
Density | 2.6 g/cm³ |
Fragility | low |
Shine | matte and greasy on the fracture, after processing – glassy |
Cleavage | absent |
Kink | conchoidal |
Refractive index | 1,537 |
Morphology | Chalcedony druses interspersed with quartz, hematite, chlorite, goethite, celadonite, etc. |
Not just decorations?
There is no ornamental stone in the world that people would use so willingly and in a variety of ways:
- earrings;
- brooches;
- bracelets;
- vases;
- chess;
- toys;
- handles for knives and forks;
- ironing rollers for different factories - the list goes on and on.
The structure of agate (the combination of hardness and viscosity of the stone body) allows it to be used in precision engineering. The mineral is used to make cups for analytical balances, mortars and pestles for laboratory work.
The main purpose of the stone is to bring beauty. These are jewelry and handicrafts.
Agate in culture
Agate vase by Rubens
The mineral has been revered by connoisseurs of culture since ancient times. They decorated the palaces of emperors and kings. Objects of art were created from stone - paintings, vases, figurines. Fans of agate include Alexander the Great, Empress Catherine II, Lermontov and Pushkin. Faberge used agate to make jewelry and decorative elements.
A huge collection of agate products is kept in the Hermitage. There you can see the heads of Zeus and the Gorgon Medusa made from this stone, a cameo of Gonzata, “The Rape of Ganymede” and much more.
In India, at the end of the 20th century, at the excavation site of an ancient temple, a Buddha statue made of solid black agate was found. The height of the statue is 2 meters, and its age is about 2 thousand years.
The Rubens Vase, made from solid stone during the Byzantine Empire, received worldwide recognition.
Types and colors of agate
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of agate species on our planet. What makes most of these stones different? – striped color and layered structure of minerals. There are specimens in which there are about seven thousand layers per centimeter.
Often, agates are tinted to make their color brighter and more uniform. The natural color of these minerals has a wide range of colors and shades, but the most common of them is gray, blue, green, white, red, blue, pink, and moss agate.
It should be noted that black agates do not exist in nature. “Black” are gems that have at least one dark inclusion in their structure. So, we list the most popular types of agates:
- Moss agate is a gray-blue mineral characterized by the presence of unusual inclusions that resemble moss in pattern.
Moss agate
- Sapphirine is a blue colored gem.
Blue agate sapphirine
- Brazilian agate is a mineral of unusual beauty with a pattern of thin concentric layers of gray, white and brown.
Brazilian agate
- Landscape agate is a gem with inclusions that forms a specific pattern. The coloring of these stones resembles an image of nature.
Landscape agate
- Frost agate is a mineral that has a white or gray color of opaque inclusions that give the stone a resemblance to a frosty pattern.
Frost Agate
- Fire agate contains hematite inclusions. The gem looks as if it is burning from the inside.
Fire agate
- Botswana agate is an agate native to Africa. It is one of the most expensive chalcedony. The natural color of the gem is most often gray or pink.
Agate Botswana
- African agate, or “dragon veins”, or “crackle” agate is, in fact, not a type of agate, but a way of processing it. The stone is initially susceptible to high temperatures, and then to sudden cooling. The result of this processing is a gem covered with a network of beautiful small cracks - “craquele” agates. If the stone was tinted before processing, lighter cracks are obtained - then the agate is called “African”. The gem, tinted after processing, is called “dragon veins” - it has dark cracks on a light background.
Crackle agate
What kind of stone is this and how is it formed?
Agate of this variety is formed in small cavities under helium and silica fillings. And the shimmer of the stone forms layers of chalcedony, which have different refractive indices. Therefore, when looking at a natural stone, a rainbow effect is visible, it is also called a moire tint. The cost of the stone is estimated by the number of layers, which can range from 600 to a thousand pieces, as well as overflows.
The color of agate craquelure depends on the paint used to paint the stone. Therefore, there are no restrictions in the palette. You only need to choose the coloring method. But if we talk about nature, then the mineral is found with a metallic luster and a pearlescent tint.
There are no stone deposits as such, since the number of varieties of agate does not allow mining on an industrial scale. Nevertheless, stones of this type are found in the Crimea.
Magic properties
Agate necklace
Since ancient times, magicians and sorcerers have attached special importance to agate. The stone was considered a talisman against dark forces, a source of light energy, strength and inspiration. During the times of Ancient Rome, agate crystals were inserted into the eye sockets of statues standing at the entrance to cities and villages.
The magical properties of agate are versatile:
- the stone imparts eloquence and logical thinking;
- it encourages action, eliminating uncertainty and doubt;
- the mineral helps in solving problems, promotes the search for alternative solutions or getting out of the current situation with minimal losses;
- it reduces the level of conflict, neutralizes irritability and anger;
- the gem is a powerful protective amulet against envy, hatred, the evil eye and damage.
As a magical item, agates of light shades are suitable for women, and black stones are suitable for men.
A little history
Agate was widely used by ancient people to make talismans and amulets. Some peoples believed that this stone could make its owner invisible. The ancients also believed that only a person whose spirit was free from evil thoughts could find agate.
Jewelry containing these stones has been found in the tombs of Sumerian and Egyptian rulers. This gem was ground into the shape of a human eye and inserted into the eye sockets of statues to protect against evil forces. Agate earrings are mentioned in Homer's Odyssey. In the book, this jewelry is given to Penelope by one of her admirers. Blue agate was revered by the Indians of North America as a talisman of peace and unity. In ancient Greece and Rome, seals and cameos were often carved from this mineral. It was customary for the nobility to collect such items. Interest in agate cameos was revived again in the Middle Ages during the era of the Crusades. The knights went for glory, keeping with them a portrait of the lady of their heart, whose face was carved on a gem. If you believe eyewitness accounts, it could have taken the craftsman as much time to make a large agate cameo as it took to build the cathedral. In Russia, agates began to be cut only at the end of the 17th century. At first, jewelry, snuff boxes and boxes were made from these stones. Both local semi-precious stone and imported raw materials were used for the work. In Europe, the fashion for agate was changeable, and the stone was either forgotten for several decades, then it regained popularity. From the middle of the 19th century, Brazilian and Uruguayan agates began to arrive in Europe. They were of excellent quality and interest in these stones increased again. At that time, they were widely used in the products of the Faberge jewelry house. Thanks to the richness of the deposits in South America, prices for the gem began to decline, and interest in the mineral in high society subsided. Currently, anyone can afford jewelry with this semi-precious stone.
Agate amulets and talismans
White agate is considered a talisman for children, protecting against the evil eye and promoting health. The gem is considered a symbol of calm and peace; it can be used as an amulet against dark forces. White agate helps to awaken softness, calmness, kindness and self-confidence in a person.- Gray agate is considered the stone of justice. The gem will pacify anger, settle conflicts and quarrels, and restore balance.
- Blue agate is considered the stone of active and creative people. The mineral can bring peace and love, as well as enhance creativity.
- Gray-brown agate will attract money and help you climb the career ladder.
- A brown-colored gem will protect you from troubles and misfortunes. A talisman made from this stone will help you survive in an emergency.
- Yellow-brown agate will help establish contacts with the necessary people. He will protect you on a long journey.
- A yellow gem will help in trading and improve your mood.
- Golden agate promotes creativity and increases vitality.
- Red minerals will attract love and family happiness.
Medicinal properties
According to medieval beliefs, agate is an antidote for various poisonings. The gem was crushed when bitten by snakes and dangerous insects.
According to the healers of that time, the stone helped treat many diseases. It was also believed that wearing it would save from many misfortunes and bestow intelligence and eloquence.
Agate stone is considered a good medicine for various psychiatric diseases. It relieves stress, anxiety and irritability, and it will also eliminate insomnia, nightmares and headaches.
Constantly wearing agate will improve vision and help with diseases of the respiratory system, throat and oral cavity. The likelihood of contracting infectious diseases is also reduced. The stone is also used for toothache.
The mineral is also believed to have healing properties. It is used to relieve inflammatory processes, eliminate bleeding, and speed up the restoration of skin tissue after burns and incised wounds.
Agate products and prices
Agate beads
The gem is in demand in jewelry. Both expensive jewelry set in precious metals and affordable jewelry are made from it.
Jewelry with agate is set in gold, silver or cupronickel. Often in a product it is supplemented with other gems, for example, cubic zirconia.
Agate stones are affordable. The cost varies within:
- $10-40 for silver rings;
- $20-50 – for earrings or a bracelet in a silver frame;
- $150-250 - for earrings with agate set in gold;
- $100-240 - for a gold brooch made of gems, depending on the size and number of stones;
- $150-350 for gold rings.
Agates are used not only in jewelry. They are also used to make original souvenirs and decorative items - figurines, vases, balls, lamps, boxes and ashtrays. Carved frescoes are carved from this rock, and previously it was used to decorate furniture and indoor walls.
How to distinguish from a fake
Unscrupulous sellers quite often try to pass off plastic or ordinary glass as real agate. It can be distinguished from low-grade synthetic materials by several characteristics:
- The natural mineral has a high hardness index. If you run a needle across its surface, there should be no traces left on it.
- Real agate is much heavier than glass or plastic. Its heaviness feels pleasant in the palm of your hand.
- The original stone is cool to the touch. Compared to synthetic materials, it does not heat up for a long time when held in the palm of your hand.
Sometimes the buyer is offered to buy refined agate, the appearance of which is significantly different from natural stones. This type of mineral is not considered fake. Crystals are subject to certain temperature and chemical influences in order to improve their external qualities, but this does not change their original properties.
Description
Botswana agate is a translucent or translucent stone. Its surface is heterogeneous, but the pattern is visible implicitly. Colors – gray, pink, their combinations and shades.
Unlike other varieties of agate, Botswana is not "improved". Colors are the main factor by which a mineral is identified.
Stone processing involves only light polishing of the surface.
Agates of other colors found in this country are also called Botswana. For example, trade offers peach or apricot agate from Botswana. But this is a different variety, and the stone is called Botswana after the place of discovery (the state of Botswana).
Only gray or pink specimens are Botswana agates.
Agate care
Ease of care is one of the advantages of this mineral. When storing it, you should follow the standard rules:
- Wash with running water and a mild soap solution, wipe with a cloth.
- Protect from impacts, falls and squeezing;
- Store separately from other stones to avoid scratching the stone on other, harder minerals.
- Protect from sunlight, as the gem may fade.
- Keep away from chemicals, cosmetics and perfumes to preserve the original color and transparency of the stone.
Agate needs periodic rest and energy cleansing. To do this, it must be removed and left for several hours a day in a dark place (for example, overnight). Once a month, the mineral is placed in cool water for 10-15 minutes.
Where to find Crimson Agates
When the Crimson Agate is in close proximity to a player, an icon appears on their minimap along with a sound effect similar to Geoculus and Anemoculus. However, Crimson Agate chests do not appear on the minimap. Additionally, Crimson Agates do not have a corresponding resonance stone (Anemoculus Echo Stone, Geoculus Echo Stone) to guide the player to their location.
There are a total of 80 Crimson Agates in the overworld or in chests, allowing the player to level up the Permafrost Tree to level 9.
Here's a complete guide to all the Crimson Agate locations in Genshin Impact, including hidden and hard to reach ones. Just like the Anemocules and Geocules, presenting them to the Permafrost Tree will reward you with some amazing items such as Intertwined Fates and Fateful Encounters.
Crimson Agate Location Map
There are 80 Crimson Agates to be found in the Dragonspine area in Genshin Impact, here you will find all the locations and the fastest route to collect them.
Snow covered path
Location | How to get |
1. The first Crimson Agate appears next to the Permafrost Tree when you activate it. | |
2. At the top of the tree, next to the stone gate. | |
3. At the very top of a small mountain. | |
4. Just turn right from the last Crimson Agate location and plan on to the next one. | |
5. Kill the mobs in the area to gain access to the chest hidden in the hut. |
Palace of the Buried Capital
Location | How to get |
1. Glide in the air in a circle near the Statue of Seven. | |
2. You must defeat the flying robot to activate the mechanism and drain the pool, there is a chest there. | |
3. Move from the Statue of Seven into the cave. Turn right, then destroy the rock blocking the path, or enter from the mountainside. |
Sleeping Dragon Gorge
Location | How to get |
1. At the top of the mountain northeast of the teleport. | |
2. North of the last one, grab the Scarlet Quartz first and then break the ice. | |
3. Located north of the teleport. You can just plan to it from there. | |
4. Teleport back to the eastern waypoint and glide northwest to collect the Crimson Agate on top of the dragon bones. | |
5. Continue gliding northwest and you'll find the next Crimson Agate near a crevice. | |
6. Teleport to the northern teleport point of Sleeping Dragon's Rift and head northeast. Collect 3 anemo particles to create an updraft of wind. | |
7. From the same point, head to the nearby high ground and glide to that location, or collect anemo particles to reach the Crimson Agate location. | |
8. Defeat 3 Fatuis to remove the seal from the precious chest. |
Neighborhood of the buried capital (northern part)
Location | How to get |
1. Take the Crimson Quartz and go up the mountain northwest of the teleporter, there is a Frozen Crimson Agate. | |
2. Glide directly over the teleporter. Just keep climbing from the last one and then glide towards it. | |
3. Here you need to solve a puzzle to get the Precious Chest and gain access to the lower part of this area. Look at the image on the left to see how to solve the puzzle. | |
4. Floating on the tip of an icicle after completing the puzzle. | |
5. After solving the puzzle, as shown in the picture on the left, you will be rewarded in the form of a chest with Crimson Agate inside. | |
6. Bring your best team here and race against the clock to open the chest. | |
7. Plan over the trees. | |
8. Defeat the Hilichurls to open the chest. | |
9. Defeat the Frost Shelled Lavachurl to receive the Precious Chest. |
Neighborhood of the buried capital (eastern part)
Location | How to get |
1. Activate 4 Cryo Monuments to drain the pool where the Crimson Agate is hidden behind the rubble. | |
2. Second Crimson Agate in a cage. Use Scarlet Quartz to break the ice hiding mechanism to obtain it. | |
3. On the top of the mountain. | |
4. Go down and defeat the members of Fatui to open the precious chest. | |
5. Beat the time trial to get a precious chest. | |
6. Located north of the Time Trial. | |
7. Defeat Frost Shell Lavachurl to open the Luxury Chest. | |
8. Between two Cryo hilichurls. | |
9. On the top of the mountain. |
Cave of Starlight
Location | How to get |
1. In the middle of the circular structure next to the teleporter. | |
2. Located on the top of the mountain southeast of the teleport. | |
3. The chest containing the Crimson Agate is outside the barrier. You can glide down to reach it. | |
4. This one is locked and to get it you need to solve 2 puzzles and fight the guard of the ruins. | |
5. Located high in the air, just south of the 3 Warming Fairies puzzle. You need to climb the mountain and then glide towards it. |
Starlight Cave (southeast)
Location | How to get |
1. The first Crimson Agate is in a chest that will appear after defeating Lavachurl. | |
2. Located on the roof of the hut. | |
3. At the top of a stone arch. | |
4. At the top of the mountain, glide away from the teleporter. | |
5. In a chest inside a hut guarded by Hilichurls. | |
6. In the southern part of the island. Defeat the Ruin Guardian to open the chest. |
Cave of Starlight (East)
Location | How to get |
1. Glide over the sea near the teleport. Swim and use the ice blocks to reach it. | |
2. Located on top of a tree north of the teleporter. | |
3. Hidden by a puzzle. Look at the image on the left to see how to solve the puzzle. | |
4. Climb the nearby mountain and reach the agate by gliding. |
Palace of the Buried Capital (southeast)
Location | How to get |
1. When gliding in the air, you can glide from the Statue of Seven or from the ledge near the secret room. | |
2. On the top of the mountain. | |
3. On top of a tall rock near the frozen boars. | |
4. Melt 3 frozen boars using a pyro attack to summon the Snow Boar King, then defeat him to open the chest. | |
5. Plan over the cave entrance. | |
6. Defeat the Hilichurls to open a chest containing Crimson Agate. | |
7. Swim inside the small tunnel. | |
8. Collect 3 anemo particles to fly up and grab the Crimson Agate. | |
9. There is scarlet quartz on the edge of the cliff south of Daduapa Gorge. Use it to open the chest. |
Skychill Spike (underground)
Location | How to get |
1. This one is locked with a quest where you need to find all 3 boxes to open the secret room. See our guide on how to open the secret room in Dragonspine. | |
2. Under the ice bridge. Glide down to reach it. | |
3. In the middle of the broken central column. | |
4. Complete the challenge and get the Crimson Agate from the chest. | |
5. Under floating ice. | |
6. Climb up the edge of the peak. You can use anemo particles to rise up. | |
7. Jump down to reach the floating crimson agate below the ice bridge. |
Spire of Heavenly Chill
From now on, you need to progress through the quest "In the Mountains" to collect all the remaining Crimson Agate.
Location | How to get |
1. As you can see, you can get it after you make progress in the quest "In the Mountains", after overcoming the headwind blocking the path to the top. | |
2. The chest contains a reward for unlocking the dungeon. |
Skychill Spike (center)
Location | How to get |
1. On top of a broken column. | |
2. Open the cage by activating the 2 switches. Use the nearby Scarlet Quartz to break the ice block. | |
3. On the top of the column. | |
4. Defeat the Frost Shell Lavachurl. | |
5. On top of a ruined tower. | |
6. Plan high in the air. Activate the Anemo Monument and glide to the location of the Crimson Agate. |
Skychill Spike (peak)
Location | How to get |
1. Continue up and find the allowed round tower. | |
2. Continue up to find a chest containing a Crimson Agate. | |
3. Crimson agate on top of the mountain. | |
4. Assuming you have unlocked the dungeon. Simply activate the Anemo Monument at the last Crimson Agate location. | |
5. Glide in the air on the south side of the mountain. | |
6. This Crimson Agate is only available after activating 8 stone tablets (stone tablets that you came across while exploring the dragon ridge). |
How to find the last Crimson Agate (80th)
To obtain the 80th Crimson Agate, you must first complete the world quest called "Lost in the Snows." This is part of a world quest in Genshin Impact and must be completed to obtain all 80 Crimson Agate and unlock the secret achievement.
This is a fairly simple task and you don't have to solve puzzles or fight monsters. You just need to run around the region and find all 3 campsites with Neat Notes.
How to take the quest
Teleport to the mountain camp and talk to Joel, the little boy at the camp, to help him find his father and start the world quest.
After activating the quest, you need to find 3 Neat Notes hidden throughout the Dragonspine region.
Finding Father Joel
- Teleport to the Statue of the Seven on Dragonspine and glide down southeast to read the first neat note in the abandoned camp.
- Teleport to the Buried Capital Outskirts - southeast route point and head northwest, then use a pyro attack to melt the ice covering the second neat note to read it.
- Teleport to the Statue of the Seven in Dragonspine and head southwest. Break the stone wall to clear the way and read the note at the camp site.
You can now interact with the bowl near the camp and place 2 berries to feed the foxes in the area. Repeat this for 2-5 days in real life until 3 foxes appear with a chest, this chest will contain the last Crimson Agate.
Be sure to return and talk to Joel once you complete the quest to receive 40 Origin Stones and a reward of 2 Hero Experience Scrolls.
Who is agate suitable for according to the zodiac?
The stone is considered the patron saint of Taurus, Cancer and Gemini.
- For Taurus, this mineral will help them become softer and more tolerant, and calm down faster after outbursts of rage and anger. Blue agate will help thoughtful, slow and boring Taurus increase their activity. Representatives of the Taurus sign love money very much, for this reason black agate will be useful to them. It will give you determination and strength to conquer new heights and strengthen your financial situation.
- For representatives of the Cancer sign, an agate talisman will awaken creativity, strengthen self-confidence, and provide protection from stress. Most Cancers are suspicious, unsure of themselves, vulnerable, cautious and fearful. Representatives of this sign need courage, courage and firmness of opinion. The gem will weaken the shortcomings of Cancers and make their life peaceful, calm and much happier.
- For Gemini, agate will play the role of a sedative. To make the right decisions, active Geminis need to be able to calm down. Representatives of this sign are extremely fickle, and the stone will help their beliefs and values become unchanged over a long period of time. It will direct the endless and often aimless energy of Gemini in the right direction and help achieve results.
Some representatives of the Zodiac system are suitable for agates of certain colors:
- For Virgos, stones of warm yellow-orange shades will help them gain self-confidence, which will have a positive effect on relationships, both in business and in love.
- For Libra, gray crystals will lift your spirits.
- Scorpios need black stones to implement ambitious plans.
- For Capricorns, it is not so much the color of the stone that is important, but its size. The larger the gem, the more strongly its energy affects the representatives of this sign.
- Aquarians will be able to improve their position in all areas of life with the help of minerals of blue-blue shades.
Contact with agate is not recommended for Leo, Sagittarius, Pisces and Aries, regardless of its color:
- Agate will make Leo people too soft and pliable, depriving them of purposefulness and self-confidence.
- Sagittarians risk losing touch with reality, plunging into a world of dreams.
- It is difficult for Pisces to “make friends” with the energy of the stone. After contact with him, representatives of this sign may feel tired and apathetic.
- Aries agate can lead you astray from the intended path and encourage you to make the wrong decisions.
Mineral and astrology
Agate is the stone of those born in May–September. According to the horoscope, Agate is suitable for such zodiac signs as Aries, Taurus, Leo, Virgo, Capricorn, Gemini and Cancer .
Aries should wear this stone only if he is in a depressed mood. For Taurus and Gemini, the mineral will help cope with negative character traits. Additionally, wearing agate can improve the financial situation of these signs. Blue agate, according to the horoscope, will be a good amulet for Virgos and Aquarius. Agate will help Cancer gain self-confidence, protect themselves from stress and troubles, and develop creative abilities. Leo should opt for striped agates. In this case, representatives of this sign will be able to attract success in any endeavor, both on the personal front and in their career. Blue agate will add vitality and self-confidence to people born under the sign of Sagittarius.
Combination with other minerals
Energetically, agate is ideally combined with stones belonging to the elements of Water and Earth. In jewelry and magical objects, regardless of the variety, it can be worn with amethyst, lapis lazuli, malachite, jasper, emerald, cacholong, opal, aventurine, and morion.
Agate of all types can be combined with minerals of the Air element - rock crystal, sapphire, topaz, blue chalcedony and smoky quartz. This tandem will not cause harm, but there will be no benefit from it either.
We do not combine agate with all minerals under the protection of the element of Fire. It is strictly forbidden to combine a banded gem with rubies, garnets, diamonds and pyropes.
Price
Botswana agate is the most expensive in its family. You can buy any types of jewelry, but they are not cheap (price / rub.):
- pendant (65 mm, on a leather cord) – 2,500;
- beads (8 – 10 mm) – 23-34.
To avoid purchasing a fake, you should contact trusted sellers. And remember: there is no such thing as too much Botswana.