Moss Agate, Tree agate (Mocha Stone)
What is Moss Agate?
Moss Agate is a mineral that forms in igneous rock and lava.
It is one of the many types of microcrystalline quartz formations, known as chalcedony,
made from silicon dioxide, but with other impurities in it. These impurities appear as dark green or black
patterns on the whitish agate and to all intents and purposes could be fossilised moss or
grass that had somehow been caught in the rock. Very saimilar are tree agate and landscape agate which have similar properties

Hardness
Moss Agate measures 7 on the Moh scale of hardness which means that it will scratch glass (a diamond is 10 on the Moh scale).



How is agate formed?
Moss Agate is usually formed by deposits of silicon dioxide dripping out of the igneous rocks and forming crystals in pockets inside the igneous rock or lava. As erosion takes place, the nodules of agate appear as geodes, which can then be split open, or sawn in half, to expose their crystalline interiors.

Where is Moss Agate found?
Moss Agate is found all around the world but especially in Scotland, United States, Brazil, India and China

Lapidary Moss Agate and tree agate lend themselves to polishing and cabouchons and are quite eye-catching
If you want to buy some tree agate rock for tumbling, click on the picture below:


Some lovely tree agate necklaces can be found at
www.beads-and-crystals.com

It is also used for ornaments, such as decorative polished slices.

Spiritual Properties
Moss agate is said to strengthen feelings of self worth and self belief and releases you from stress.
It is a stone that is said to help reduce pain and promote healing. A useful stone to have, especially
as it also is said to attract wealth.

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