**Agate / Alxa**  

Agate (also spelled as chalcedony, carnelian, or sard) is a variety of chalcedony, a mineral of the quartz family. It often occurs as banded masses intermixed with opal and cryptocrystalline quartz, displaying distinctively layered colours. Agate has a very long history – about 100 million years ago, due to crustal movements, large amounts of underground magma erupted. When the lava cooled, steam and other gases formed bubbles, which were sealed as the rock solidified, creating many cavities. Much later, these cavities were infiltrated by solutions containing silica, which condensed into silica gel. Soluble components from iron‑bearing rocks entered the gel, and finally, the silica crystallised into agate.

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**Benefits of Agate**

- Agate is one of the seven treasures of Buddhism and has been used since ancient times as a talisman and protective amulet.
- It helps relieve stress, fatigue, and negative energies such as stagnant qi.
- Placing agate under your pillow promotes restful sleep.
- Agate "treasure bowls" can be used to cleanse and recharge other crystal jewellery.
- Children who are often in contact with agate are said to become more intelligent, lively, well‑behaved, quick to learn, and adaptable.
- Wearing agate enhances your affinity with others, helps you adapt flexibly and deal with all kinds of people, and supports career growth.
- Placing agate in the bedroom is believed to promote harmony between spouses and enhance intimacy.
- Red chalcedony (carnelian) helps improve endocrine function and blood circulation.
- It also aids in overcoming sexual obstacles, improving sexual performance, and helping to prevent infertility.