Black agate

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Black agate is a chalcedony, a microcrystalline quartz, black in colour, opaque and very fine-grained. It polishes to a glossy black and stands up well to everyday wear.

  • Colour: black, opaque to translucent in a thin slice.
  • Family and hardness: chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz); Mohs hardness 6.5 to 7.
  • Traditional symbolism: As a dark stone, it is traditionally associated with grounding, protection and quiet strength.
  • Care: Lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat, which can dull an applied dye.

A uniform, deep black is most often obtained by dyeing or heating the agate: this is a common practice, which does not change the hardness. We state the known treatment on each product page.

Profile: Black agate

Colourblack, opaque to translucent in thin slices
Mineral familychalcedony (microcrystalline quartz)
Hardness (Mohs scale)6.5 to 7
Contact with wateryes
Sun exposurecaution
Traditional symbolismAs a dark stone, it is traditionally associated with grounding, protection and quiet strength.
Traditional chakraroot
CareLukewarm water and a soft cloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat, which can dull an applied dye.
Good to knowA uniform, deep black is most often obtained by dyeing or heating the agate: this is a common practice, which does not change the hardness. We state the known treatment on each product page.

See all the stones in the glossary · Cleansing and recharging

The meanings given are traditions and symbolism, presented for their cultural and personal interest. They are not promises of results and do not replace the advice of a health professional.