Geology/History
Tree Agate is a unique dendritic Agate. Dendritic Agates have fern or plant like patterns in them usually formed due to the presence of manganese & iron oxides, in the case of Tree Agate the green dendrites occur through the added presence of minerals such as Chlorite & Hornblende. There is a potential for other types of matter to be deposited during the Agate growth process, these include sagenitic growths (radial mineral crystals) & chunks of entrapped detritus (such as sand, ash, or mud).
Most Agates occur as nodules in volcanic rocks or ancient lavas where they represent cavities originally produced by the disengagement of volatiles in the molten mass which were then filled wholly or partially by siliceous matter deposited in regular layers upon the walls, from this siliceous matter crystals grow. Agate has also been known to fill veins or cracks in volcanic or altered rock underlain by granitic intrusive masses. Such Agates, when cut transversely exhibit a succession of parallel lines, giving a banded appearance to the section. Such stones are known as Banded Agate, Lace Agate & Striped Agate. Although known of & utilised for centuries by ancient humans the current name “Agate” was given by Theophrastus a Greek Philosopher & naturalist. Somewhere between the 4th & 3rd century BC he found the stone along the shore line of the Dirillo River in Sicily an area known in ancient Greek times as Achates.
Moss & Tree Agate are very similar the only difference is the transparency of the host Chalcedony, if it is transparent with a greyish tone it is classified as Moss Agate if it is opaque/ non transparent with white Chalcedony then it is classified as Tree Agate
Metaphysical Properties
The Travel stone, Tree Agate acts as a protective guardian when traveling, particularly great for protection during travel by air or car. It also protects & purifies the body’s energy field keeping it free of negative debris. This energetically expansive crystal helps open the mind & heart chakras, it provides a calming joyous vibration bringing a sense of safety & security. It eases homesickness helping one to connect energetically with distant loved ones or places.
Tree Agate brings the gift of harmony & is great for strengthening & fortifying relationships particularly difficult family relationships, it also aids in healing childhood trauma.
Excellent for astral travel & enhancing dreams, Tree Agate helps illuminate pathways to alternate realities showing the many opportunities & possibilities available. It helps expand the mind & boosts spiritual sensitivity increasing intuition & psychic abilities.
Tree Agate’s vibration imparts deep feelings of oneness or universal connectivity. It brings peace to a troubled mind helping one to understand & master inner thoughts, its peaceful energy stills negative or overactive thinking helping shift one from destructive pessimistic thoughts to a positive optimistic mindset.
It is also a powerful Earth energy healer that holds strong Earth & plant connections. This purifying & regenerative energy makes it excellent for eco friendly pursuits such as Earth, forest or waterway health & regeneration.
Crystal Healing
Lymphatic system issues, fluid retention & swelling, vein & capillary problems. Chronic pain, headaches & migranes. Brain, Lung & heart health.
Mineralogy
Group: Quartz
Crystal System: Rhombohedral, Microcrystaline
Composition: SiO2 silicon dioxide
Form/Habit: Cryptocrystaline silica
Hardness: 6.5 - 7
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Lustre: Waxy
Streak: White
Specific Gravity: 2.58–2.64
Transparency: Translucent
R.I: 1.530–1.540
Colour: White to grey, light blue, orange to red, black. banded
Birefringence: up to +0.004 (B-G)
Pleochroism: Absent