Flower Agate: A New Discovery

FLOWER AGATE SPOTLIGHT

Flower Agate is another one of those gemstones that, even though it is very new in the gem world, it is instantly recognizable because of its unique appearance. Here are some interesting facts about this captivating stone.

• First found in 2018 in Madagascar, Flower Agate is one of the most recent gemstone discoveries to make a major impact. The stone is mined in relatively small remote deposits, which contributes to its exclusivity and appeal.
• Flower Agate gets its name from its distinctive floral-like patterns. These are actually plume or botryoidal chalcedony inclusions that resemble blossoms in full bloom. Sometimes, interestingly enough, these patterns can look like mold beneath the stone’s surface because of their color and texture!
• Botryoidal inclusions–which the name comes from the Greek word botrys, meaning “bunch of grapes”–specifically refers to a stone’s texture and appearance that looks rounded and globular underneath the surface. These inclusions aren’t separate minerals inside the stone, but rather a formation pattern of the mineral itself.
• It’s worth noting that botryoidal inclusions (found in Flower Agate) are slightly different from botryoidal surface formations (you would find these on Grape Agate or Malachite). In Flower Agate, the flower-like patterns are internal, differing from Grape Agate’s super textured and bulbous surface.
• It often features a soft dreamy mix of pinks, creams, and whites, sometimes with mossy green or orange hues. These colors are natural and are not typically enhanced.
• Often associated with divine feminine energy, this stone is believed to nurture personal growth, self-love, and inner peace. It is said to balance the energy of the root chakra and the heart chakra, making it grounding and emotionally healing.
• While Flower Agate is not as hard as some gemstones, it is widely and commonly used in jewelry, as well as made into rock specimens like palm stones, spheres. It can even be made into elaborate carvings like moons and flowers. It rates a 6.5-7 on the Mohs Hardness scale.