Moss Agate isn't actually moss or even an agate. The intriguing mottled patterns of cream, green-grey & black inclusions display a moss-like appearance. While Moss Agate isn't strictly an agate because it's not banded, the stone does have the same chemical composition & intriguing patterns of agate. Moss Agate is a variety of Chalcedony, belonging to the quartz family, & is often found as fragments from weathered volcanic rock formed in fissures or as pebbles rather than in traditional agate layering.
The spreading moss-like dendritic inclusions are mostly oxides of manganese or iron; the colors vary depending on trace amounts of minerals or metals present, such as chrome.
During the late 18th century, Moss Agate was widely regarded as a good luck stone in Britain. Moss Agate was also viewed as a stone of agriculture amongst gardeners and farmers because the inclusions resembled moss or ferns. European farmers may have even hung Moss Agate from trees & around the horns of oxen to encourage successful harvests.
Moss Agate is said to encourage tranquility & emotional balance. Moss Agate is the stone for those who experience strong aggression or overly nurturing emotions, helping to balance male & female energies whenever they become too extreme. The calming vibe of Moss Agate helps bring nature closer & may bring a sense of focus or patience when we need to disconnect from the chaos of modern society.
