A fine Near Eastern Agate Bead, ca. 1st millennium BCE

With its extra-fine bands set in a soft matrix of white and maroon-brown, agate was highly prized in ancient times for its scarcity and beauty.  Sourced in Afghanistan, this lovely agate crystal was hand-carved and polished in ancient Persia over 2600 years ago. 

Known as the earths rainbow, agate was used as healing amulets and ornamentation dating back to ancient Babylon. The ancient Egyptians discovered it in pebble form and used it for protection.  Ancient agate was used as a talisman to improve attention to detail, increase positivity, bring good luck and awaken a sense of adventure.   Use it to balance emotional, physical and intellectual energy, and harmonize yin and yang, the positive and negative forces of the universe.

Set as a pendant on a modern 16" silver snake chain.