Agate is a banded form of finely-grained, microcrystalline Quartz. The lovely color patterns and banding make this translucent gemstone very unique. Agates can have many distinctive styles and patterns, but each Agate is unique in its own habit with no two Agates being the same. Agate is one of the oldest of healing stones. It's an aura-cleansing, balancing gem, intended to harmonize the body and spirit and ward off negativity. As a stone of strength, it was used in ancient civilizations, on the breastplates of armor, to bring warriors strength and to make them victorious in battle. Agates are very protective stones, making them the perfect stones for amulets and medicine bags. They also bring us courage, emotional strength and self-confidence. Since each agate stone is incredibly different from the next, you'll want to pay attention to the color for additional implications. A bulls-eye style stone, for example, plays the role of the evil eye, providing additional protection from negative people and feelings, whereas blue agate will battle the blues. Expectant mamas should invest in white stones, as they're quite the pregnancy cure-all—soothing morning sickness and labor pains, encouraging healthy milk flow, and providing protection to both mother and child. Agates can be used for protection, creativity, and harmony.