Spotlight On | Moss Agate
Just as looking for moss on the northern side of trees has guided travelers since time immemorial, so too can Moss Agate assist in guiding you through your spiritual journey. Moss Agate encourages the bearer to step away from the Netflix binge, and adventure into the great outdoors, communing with nature and basking in the natural beauty you can so easily find if you just look up from your smartphone.
The History of Moss Agate
Also called Mocha Stone, Moss Agate was originally discovered in the Arabian city of Mocha (in Yemen). Moss Agate is now found across the world in India, Brazil, Uruguay, the United States and central Europe.
Moss Agate, like most gemstones, has long been used for personal ornamentation. Due to the inclusions resembling moss or ferns, Moss Agate was also viewed as a stone of agriculture amongst gardeners and farmers. It's said European farmers once used to hang Moss Agate from trees and around the horns of oxen when ploughing to encourage successful harvests.
Recognising Moss Agate
Moss Agate is not banded, and therefore not strictly an Agate in scientific terms; but is included in the Agate family.
Moss Agate can be clear or milky white, with dendritic inclusions of manganese or iron that has grown into patterns similar to moss or lichen. The metals can make different colours depending on their oxidation state. Despite its name, Moss Agate does not contain organic matter and is usually formed from weathered volcanic rocks.
Moss Agate has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale.
What is Moss Agate used for?
It's no surprise that Moss Agate's plant-like appearance affects the perceived metaphysical properties of the stone. Moss Agate’s harmonious connection to nature can improve brain activity, focus and analytical energies. The calming vibe of Moss Agate helps bring us closer to nature as well, and can bring a sense of focus or patience when we need to disconnect from the chaos of modern society.
As a stone of abundance, Moss Agate is known for its benefits in agricultural pursuits and has been successful in promoting the growth of new crops. Planted in a pot or flower bed, it increases the overall health of plants.
Moss Agate will give you keen perception and sharper observational skills. It is a stone of wealth, attracting abundance in all forms. It draws new business, increasing prosperity over time.
Feel like everything is a mess at work? No need to drag your ass through an excruciating and pointless HR nightmare, Moss Agate can help you make sense of things and give you a sense of purpose.
Unblocking the fears, doubts and self-esteem issues that inhibit your personal progress, Moss Agate opens you up to be more accepting of opportunities. Its energies inspire hope and trust, and can make you feel that even if things aren’t right just now, everything will fall into place. This is a stone that can dilute the stresses of everyday life or the pressures of conforming to societal norms and show you that you are the only one in charge of your life, so you should be living it however the f*ck you want. So, grab your Moss Agate and let your freak flag fly.
