What on Earth Is Blue Lace Agate?

Blue lace agate is a pale blue, banded chalcedony (a microcrystalline quartz) rated 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and today most of it comes from Namibia. Designers use its smooth polish and swirling patterns in jewellery, and crystal lore links it with the throat chakra and clear communication. Browse our blue lace agate range, or read on for its history and properties.

Designers tap on Blue Lace Agate's smooth polish and intriguing patterns to create unique and charming necklace, pendant, ring, and bracelet pieces.

In lore, it is associated with the throat chakra and with clear, confident speech.

Today, most of the Blue Lace Agate is mined in Namibia. The major mines there are mostly exhausted; supply from those mines is limited. Another name (trade name/as sold as) is Blue Storm Agate, a variation where the bands of white and blue are thinner and fewer.

Read on to learn more about the stone's history and properties.

The Physical Properties of Blue Lace Agate

Blue Lace Agate (SiO2) is a silicate, which means it's made up of silica, oxygen, and one or more other elements. With a Mohs hardness rating of 6.5 to 7, it is considered durable and can scratch a glass surface easily.

This stone is a form of chalcedony (a microcrystalline type of quartz), hence its glassy appearance. Blue Lace Agate is composed of microscopic crystals. Not to be confused with other agate variations namely moss agate, fire agate, and dendritic agate which possess different colours and patterns.

Blue Lace Agate's intricate swirl and loop patterns are caused by the presence of the minerals iron, manganese, nickel, titanium, and others. Agates are usually small and round in shape. Some varieties can weigh several pounds and measure many inches in diameter.

Thinking of designing jewelry with it? Blue Lace Agate looks lovely paired with pastel-coloured gemstones and sterling silver. When handpicking your stone, judge by its colour and clarity, and avoid noticeable cracks or scratches.

The History of Blue Lace Agate

It is believed that the Greek philosopher Theophrastus called the stone Agate because he found it in the Achates River (now renamed to Dirillo River) in Sicily, Italy. However, Blue Lace Agate was discovered in Namibia in southwest Africa. Some have also been found in Brazil, China, India, and the United States.

Agates are among the most valued gemstones in history for their ornamental and talismanic uses. Early use traces back to the Neolithic Era (9,000 B.C. to 3,000 B.C.), and agate was worn as an amulet in ancient Greek and Egyptian civilizations.

Agate gemstones are also used as symbols of power. In ancient Mesopotamia, Agates were engraved with seals to signify that its wearer is a person of wealth and authority.

Besides its symbolic use, ancient Romans used agate to make mortars and pestles.

As a birthstone, agate is associated with the months of May, June, and September. As a gemstone, it is associated with the Zodiac signs Gemini and Capricorn.

The Lore of Blue Lace Agate

Blue Lace Agate is also called the throat chakra stone. In lore it is linked with clear thoughts, articulate ideas and clear communication with others.

It is also linked in lore with expressing your spiritual truth without fear of judgment, and with a sense of inner peace.

It's a common practice to put Blue Lace Agate close to nature as a way to refresh it. You can place it under the moonlight to energize it. Other ways to stimulate it is through incense or sage smoke, putting it under rice, or burying it in the earth overnight.

The Metaphysical Properties of Blue Lace Agate

Blue Lace Agate's circular banding gives it a calm look. People wear it as a symbol of calm in frustrating moments. It is also called a stone of communication, linked with speaking in a clear and confident manner.

People wear Blue Lace Agate jewelry or keep a stone in their pocket when they need to speak in public, as a reminder to speak clearly and kindly.

Note: Crystals are sold as decor, collectibles and keepsakes. Metaphysical statements here describe traditional beliefs and are for education only.