Updated July 18, 2023 by Alexandre Baillairge
A type of dendritic agate, green tree agate contains green dendritic inclusions. The inclusions look like tiny tree branches or foliage sprawling over the stone's white base.
Sometimes, the stone can be dappled with black or brown specks on some parts of its body due to traces of iron ions. Green tree agate can be translucent or opaque, with the former being the most sought after variety.
What makes this stone unique in terms of history and properties? Read on to know more.
Physical Properties of Green Tree Agate
Tree agates may not have the banded patterns or parallel lines unique to agates, but they belong to the same group of banded chalcedony. In terms of hardness, green tree agate is rated 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. This means it can get scratched with glass.
The stone also has waxy luster and does not contain cleavage. Its tree-like inclusions are caused by iron and manganese oxides.
Green tree agate is sometimes mistaken for green moss agate due to some subtle similarities in their appearance. One should note that the former is mostly white, while the latter is predominantly green.
Tree agates are commonly found in various locations including Australia, Brazil, China, India, Kazakhstan, Madagascar, Mexico, Mongolia, Uruguay, and the United States.
History of Green Tree Agate
The term "dendritic agate" comes from the Greek word dendron meaning ˜tree.' It was named by Theophrastus, the Greek philosopher and naturalist who discovered agate. He spotted the stone along the shores of the Achates River (now Dirillo River) in Sicily, Italy sometime between the 4th and 3rd century B.C.
In ancient times, the Egyptians used Agate stones to create rings, seals, and vessels. Other than their decorative uses, agates were also used as talismans by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Indians. Today, these chalcedony stones are widely used in jewelry making and crystal healing.
For ages, green tree agate has been regarded as having a rich connection to nature. Ancient civilizations referred to it as the ˜stone of plenitude (abundance),' associating it with fortune and commerce.
The Greeks would offer the stone to the gods, use it as a garden decor, or bury it beneath the fields in time for sowing for a plentiful harvest. Ancient Indians and Egyptians used tree agates as healing amulets and ornaments to adorn their urns, bowls, and other religious pieces.
Metaphysical Properties of Green Tree Agate
In the realm of crystal healing, tree agates are revered for their profound ability to act as a wellspring of inner peace, resonating tranquility and calmness that run deep within one's being. This distinct quality makes them particularly effective in practices that require a calm and focused state of mind, such as prayer and meditation.
When an individual meditates with a green tree agate held close or in their space, it is believed to stimulate a spiritual serenity and emotional equanimity. This calming energy permeates the surroundings, gently diffusing tension and providing a sanctuary for the mind to retreat from external stresses. Consequently, the individual feels more centered, balanced and at ease, thus making the meditative experience more profound and enriching.
In addition to fostering inner peace, tree agates are thought to forge a more intimate and robust connection to the natural world. The simple act of placing these agates in a garden or close to one's living space is said to draw in fauna. This ability to attract animals lends an even greater sense of harmony and unity with nature, nurturing a bond that transcends the physical realm and allows one to tune into the universal rhythm of life itself.
Does Green Tree Agate have the same healing powers as other agates?
Looking at the wider family of agates, these gemstones are known for promoting mental clarity and stability. They act as a beacon of light in the murkiness of confusion, illuminating the path towards understanding and rationality. This quality enhances courage and instills a stronger sense of control in its user, which proves particularly advantageous for those standing on the precipice of significant life decisions. A clear mind bolstered by agates can approach these critical junctures with confidence and decisiveness.
Moreover, agates serve as a potent tool for personal transformation, aiding in the elimination of negative energies that may plague the individual's life. They act as spiritual purifiers, helping to cleanse the soul of unhealthy habits and behaviors that obstruct the journey to success. By dispelling these detrimental energies, agates pave the way for positive change and growth, fostering an environment conducive to personal fulfillment and prosperity.
Which Chakra is Green Tree Agate associated with?
Agate stones bear a significant connection with the heart chakra, the energy center associated with love and relationships. They are believed to nurture and strengthen these bonds, fostering healthier and more harmonious connections with others.
By balancing the heart chakra, agates promote emotional healing and openness, thus allowing love to flow freely. This results in relationships that are more nurturing, genuine, and deeply fulfilling. As such, agates serve not only as a beacon of inner peace but also as a catalyst for external harmony, contributing to a more balanced and enriched life.
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Dendritic Agate.. (n.d.). Gemdat.org. Accessed at https://www.gemdat.org/gem-7599.html
Clark, D. (n.d.). Gemstone Hardness and Wearability. International Gem Society. Accessed at https://www.gemsociety.org/article/hardness-and-wearability/
Dendritic Agate Meanings and Uses. (n.d.). Crystal Vaults. Accessed at https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/dendritic-agate/
Tree Agate Meaning and Properties. (n.d.). Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. Accessed at https://www.firemountaingems.com/resources/encyclobeadia/gem-notes/gmstnprprtstrgt
Heart Chakra: Everything You Need to Know. (2021, February 10). Be My Travel Muse. Accessed at https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/heart-chakra/
