Agate is an ancient jade, which has been a symbol of beauty, auspiciousness and wealth since ancient times. In the East, agate is one of the seven treasures of Buddhism, and it is regarded as an amulet to ward off evil spirits and bless others. In Japanese myths and legends, Yuzu combed the jade and presented it to the gods, which is one of the three artifacts handed down from generation to generation by the Japanese emperor. In the west, agate is one of the "stones of fire" recorded in the Old Testament, and in western magic, agate is also considered as a magical jade that can realize one's wishes.
The earliest application of agate in China can be traced back to the late Neolithic Age, and agate cultural relics were unearthed in subsequent dynasties and generations. In the Western Zhou Dynasty, nobles connected agate tubes and beads in series to form ornaments. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, agate strings were used as decorations. In the Han, Wei and Jin dynasties, agate was used to make hooks, lapels or decorations on scabbard. Agate products in Tang Dynasty are more exquisite. The agate cup unearthed in Xi 'an, with exquisite jade carving and golden animal head, is the most exquisite agate jade, symbolizing power and wealth. In the Yuan Dynasty, the royal family set up the Agate and Jade Bureau. Agate treasures handed down from the Ming and Qing Dynasties are even more common. A large number of agate articles were used in the Qing palace, indicating that the Qing dynasty had an extraordinary recognition of agate.
With the maturity of modern manufacturing technology, the design of agate products is constantly close to the market demand, and its role is becoming more and more extensive. Bracelets, necklaces, pendants, rosaries, bracelets and other small ornaments. Bowls, cups, pen containers, seals and other daily necessities. ; Go, mahjong, chess and other entertainment products. Large pieces include exquisite and elegant carvings, exotic ornamental stones and traffic ornaments to improve geomantic omen. With its unique charm, agate is being loved and owned by more and more ordinary people.
Identification of natural agate
Agate is very rich in color, often with layered and circular stripes of different colors. At present, there are two kinds of agate on the market: natural color and processing dyeing. Natural colors are mainly red, amber and white, and red is the best. Nowadays, there are some colors such as red, black, yellow, green, blue and purple on the market, and some of them are artificially dyed with raw materials such as gray and light color after processing.
With the continuous enrichment of agate products, there are many fake agates in the agate market, most of which are stone imitations. In this regard, we can judge according to the characteristics of natural agate:
Look at the color. Natural agate is bright and bright with stripes, and high-quality agate also has oily luster.
Second, look at transparency. Natural agate is not as transparent as synthetic agate, just like there are "clouds" in crystal.
Three temperature measurements. Natural agate is warm in winter and cool in summer, while imitation agate will change its temperature with the change of temperature.
Look at the texture. Natural agate is hard, and imitations are easily imprinted by jade and the like.
Five weights. Natural agate ornaments are heavier than synthetic agate ornaments.
Reference: www.cnartn.org/19/2014-118/1337.html.