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Agate (Achetes)

AgateThis noble stone is associated with Jacob's eighth son, Asher. Ancient authors refer to agate as a multi-coloured gem. In particular, St. Epiphanies of Cyprus describes it as an ivory- colored stone or a precious stone having the color of a lion. According to Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani 9 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulkhan-Saba_Orbeliani)  the color of agate is blue, and loane Bagrationi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Ioane_of_Georgia/  described it is a semi-transparent gem with veins; it is also referred to as a stone of pink color or the color of moss.

In St. Epiphanies' “Gems” it is noted that if the dust of an agate is mixed in water and then applied to the wounds and bites of wild animals, venomous snakes or stings of scorpions, the person will be cured.

The description of heavenly Jerusalem in the New Testament does not contain references to agate. It seems that it was substituted with chalcedony, as in contemporary mineralogy agate is considered a decorative stone and one of the major varieties of chalcedony. Lines of different thickness and colour may characterize a stripe-like structure typical of agate.

Of Christ's twelve disciples chalcedony correlates with Thomas, the apostle of Twins (May 22 - June 21). This precious stone protects its owner from the evil eye. It also favorably affects the nervous system, if fastened to the chest helps lactation, stops bleeding, cures eye diseases and depression enhances sight, eases delivery, helps achieve sexual harmony and treat infertility. As for the agate, it has similar properties and in addition improves memory, regulates the pulse, cures impotency and different types of chronic diseases, including rheumatism and others.