Beautiful, vibrant earth tones and wonderful hardness make the Montana Agate an easy stone to wear.
MONTANA MOSS AGATE
This is the name given to the beautiful “chalcedony” (pronounced Kal-SED-ney) found most often along the alluvial gravels of the Yellowstone River.
Our local agate is one of the most varied and desirable forms of chalcedony. Scientifically classified as a cryptocystalline or microcrystalline quartz, it has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Montana picture agates are only available in smaller numbers because this gemstone cannot be claimed, mined or dug-out like most other semi-precious gems. It’s found in an alluvial gravel deposit so small collectors and the general public will be able to search for these Montana agates for many years to come. Although the fresh exposures do get hunted heavily every year, new ones are always found by the persistent collectors.
At one time, Eastern Montana was mostly a shallow inland ocean – almost a swamp, with huge forests lining its shores. Here islands of volcanoes spewed lava that entombed parts of the Montana forests in lava and ash. Later the rains came and – mineral laden silica-water flowed into the cavities and pockets left by the dying trees and cooled lava. As flow after flow slowly filled the pockets with liquefied silica, Montana Agate was born.
METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Montana Agate has been known to have many positive healing aspects. Healing, self-confidence, and increased memory are just some of the claims to this fabulous agate. Although some of the claims of the agate may seem far-fetched, such as invisibility and fortune-telling, others are reported constantly enough to be credible to some degree.
Agate amulets and bracelets have been used to promote longevity, protect one from falling, and keep marital and romantic fidelity.
Agates are said to aid in digestion, help with arthritis and headaches, improve hearing, heal ulcers, reduce inflammation and fever, stimulate fertility, increase circulation, improve tooth and gum health, reduce stomach problems, increase physical endurance, and lesson insomnia.
Whether carrying an Agate in your pocket, handling a Montana agate carving on a frequent basis, or wearing a piece of Agate Jewelry – Montana Agate is said to have very high physical and spiritual benefits.