Moss Agate

Moss agate occurs as fillings in fissures or as pebbles. The IGS names India, Scotland and the northwestern United States as sources; it also mentions deposits in California, Colorado, Montana and Wyoming, a few mines in Canada and the UK, and India's reputation for fine material. Mocha in Yemen is an ancient source. Mindat lists more than 120 localities worldwide, including the Deccan Traps of India.

Moss agate is recognized by plant-like inclusions suspended in a milky, translucent body; plume agate shows feather-like forms and dendritic agate tree-like branching instead. When the iron in the green chlorite or hornblende oxidizes, the inclusions turn brown or red, and some stones show all three colors. Vendors use "mocha stone" inconsistently, for all moss agate or only for red and brown material, so judge the actual stone. Dyeing is a common enhancement for agates in general and should be disclosed.

Light and water do not affect moss agate, but some household chemicals may harm it. Clean it with a soft brush or cloth and mild soapy water, including the back of the stone, and avoid mechanical cleaning systems, which can shatter some inclusions and fracture the stone. Thin cabochon edges can chip, so protect them from knocks.

According to the IGS, chalcedonies have been used for jewelry, amulets and carvings for almost three thousand years, but lore specific to moss agate only goes back to the 18th century. Its association with Mocha in Yemen, an ancient source, is why some people still call it "mocha stone".

The IGS reports that the symbolism of moss agate is associated with a healthy ecosystem and cosmic balance, extending from farming to the home and personal relationships; some people consider it a stone of friendship, and some believed that keeping moss agate in the house brings good luck.

Farmers are said to have favored moss agate, perhaps because they believed its plant-like appearance could help their crops grow.