Price is per 15.75-inch strand of these beautiful mixed-stone beads. Made up of different agates and jaspers. Size of beads is 4mm x 3mm (although some in the strand will be very-slightly different size) - about 140 heishis to the strand.No gemstone is more creatively striped by nature than agate, chalecedony quartz that forms in concentric layers in a wide variety of colors and textures. Each individual agate forms by filling a cavity in host rock. As a result, agate often is found as a round nodule, with concentric bands like the rings of a tree trunk. The bands sometimes look like eyes, sometimes fanciful scallops, or even a landscape with dendrite trees.
Agate was highly valued as a talisman or amulet in ancient times. It was said to quench thirst and protect from fevers. Persian magicians used agate to divert storms. A famous collection of two to four thousand agate bowls which was accumulated by Mithradates, king of Pontus, shows the enthusiasm with which agate was regarded. Agate bowls were also popular in the Byzantine Empire. Collecting agate bowls became common among European royalty during the Renaissance and many museums in Europe, including the Louvre, have spectacular examples.
Jasper is a crystalline variety of quartz that contains up to 20% foreign material. This is what determines the
stone¿s multicolor, striped, or spotted appearance. Jasper was highly valued in ancient times, not only for its
beauty, but also for the reputed magical and medicinal properties. In France jasper ornaments date back
two-millennia, Babylonians used in for seals twelve-hundred years ago, and in India it has been used for
jewelry and building for centuries.
Jasper is known as the "Patron stone of counselors and healers". Being very healing and balancing, it was used for many
different medications - like grinding into a powder to treat gall bladder and kidney disease. Ancient people used jasper to
relieve pain, especially childbirth. Jasper is reported to sooth the nerves and to treat the kidneys, spleen, bladder, liver and
stomach.
Red jasper is an intensely protective stone, stabilizing the aura and bringing contentment - even said to assist astral travel
during meditation. Poppy jasper is dark red with black flecks and thought to heal allergies to animals. Picture jasper is pale
brown with darker patterns - named from pictures formed by patterns caused by trapped fossilizes algae. Picture jasper helps
to evaluate life's issues and develop business pursuits leading to increase. Fancy jasper is creamy brown with lavender or
green swirls. Believed to clear the mind, bring tranquility and eliminate worry and depression. And green jasper is thought to
be lucky in monetary trades.
