It is sometimes called the “stone of change.” Botswana agate is a stunning stone with a wealth of powerful properties. The most royal of all agates, this gem is renowned for its distinctive white stripes and subtle, earthy tones.
Chemical properties
Botswana agate is a variety of banded chalcedony, one of the minerals of the quartz family. It is mostly striped stone in various shades of pink and gray, but some layers can be found containing muted apricot and brown colors.
These stones are highly valued for their stabilizing and strengthening effects on the human body. It is believed to be ideal for balancing emotional, intellectual and physical energy. It is believed that all this helps to harmonize yin and yang, the positive and negative forces of the Universe.
Where does Botswana agate come from?
Found in the mines of Botswana, this banded agate gets its name from here.Botswana is a landlocked country located in the center of southern Africa. The roughly triangular area extends about 600 miles from north to south.
How is Botswana agate formed?
The volcanic activity responsible for the formation of these beautiful stones began almost 200 million years ago. But although the igneous rocks in Botswana were the result of a volcanic flow, they were not originally generated by a standard mountain volcano.
In this case, lava flowed in waves from long fissures located in the lower layers of the rock, and from there it spread across the landscape. This creates layers of silica and quartz that create the subtle stripes and flower patterns of Botswana agate that make it so unique.
How to tell if Botswana agate is real
If you want to distinguish a genuine stone from a fake, start with the color of Botswana agate. These stones are famous for their shades, and real stones have a very bright color, while fake ones lack this radiance. The stripes will also be very noticeable on genuine stones, as this is the only type of chalcedony in existence with stripes.
Agates are also hard, while their counterparts have a softer texture. Real stones are very easy to distinguish from fakes if you examine them by touch. Imitations are easily scratched, while the originals remain unharmed, and the surface of a good agate looks bright and flawless.
Fake agates are also more transparent than their original counterparts. A slightly chaotic surface with a visible water line will confirm that your stone is real. Synthetic agates are very transparent, and this quality alone is often enough to identify them.
The meaning and power of Botswana agate
The colors of Botswana agate envelop the viewer or wearer in soft greys, browns and pinks. It is believed to be a calming, protective stone that can bring comfort to the lonely or comfort the grief-stricken.
The calm energy of this stone is believed to help with focus during meditation. Some say it provides the love and strength needed to seek answers to questions rather than dwell on one's difficulties.
What are the healing properties of agate?
The formation of what appears to be an eye in a Botswana agate stone is believed to not only protect but also bring good luck. Consider holding it in your hands when you're picking lottery numbers or when you need an extra dose of luck.
This special stone is believed to promote a sense of calm, inner stability and maturity. Its protective warm properties promote security and self-confidence.
Some say it provides excellent support to those looking for love. Tapping into its power will help you find a person who will be in tune with its owner and, hopefully, share his dreams.