What to Check Before You Buy Moss Agate Crystals

Whenever we think about a moss agate crystal, all we can think of is nature and greenery. From being a part of home décor to healing practices and jewelry, its versatility is quite impressive. But before you buy moss agate cabochon or tumble online, it’s important to know whether it’s real or not. In this article, we’ll talk about what factors you need to consider before bringing this gemstone home!

Meaning of Moss Agate

Moss agate isn’t a true agate but a variant of chalcedony (a type of quartz.) It contains mineral inclusions, which appear like moss, ferns, or trees. The green patterns on the stone result from manganese or iron oxide, making every piece unique.

How to Check the Quality of Moss Agate?

If you want to buy moss agate online, consider these factors to determine its quality: 

• Pattern: The patterns in your moss agate are what makes it special; hence, you should pay close attention here. Ideally, look for distinct and well-defined patterns and avoid stones where the inclusions are unclear or muddy. 

• Contrast: The gemstone should have a vibrant contract, which means the inclusions should be able to stand out against the milky base. 

• Distribution: The patterns should be spread through the stone and not just gathered around in one area or corner. 

Understanding Color Variations in Moss Agate

When browsing moss agate stones for sale, you must’ve seen them in different shades of green, each having varied patterns. So, let’s understand each shade to determine which one is the most suitable for you. 

Assess Shapes and Sizes for Moss Agate

You’ll find the best places to buy gemstones online. However, you’ll still need to have some knowledge about shapes and sizes since it could be tricky to judge from the photos sometimes. 

If you’re going for a cabochon, keep in mind that its standard sizes range from 6mm to 40mm+. The large-size stones have more visible and defined patterns, but they’re quite expensive compared to the smaller ones. Cabochons are often used for rings and pendants. 

On the other hand, if you like raw specimens of moss agate, then focus on the pattern quality. That’s because bigger isn’t always better. Besides that, if you have budget constraints, we’d recommend going for smaller pieces as they’re equally beautiful.

How to Identify a Real Moss Agate?

There are many fake moss agates out there in the market, and with some stones, you really can’t differentiate whether they’re real or not. Ideally, the authentic one will have the following qualities:

• The patterns will be more natural-looking and not forced or random ones

• The opacity will vary throughout the surface of the stone

• The inclusions will be three-dimensional and not painted on

• If the stone has any imperfections or variations, ensure that they look natural rather than painted on

Fake moss agates often have patterns that are symmetrical or “too good to be true.” Besides, the patterns look printed and not organically present on the stone’s surface. You’ll also notice that the opacity remains uniform, which is a big red flag when it comes to real moss agates. 

The Temperature Test

All authentic crystals have one thing in common: they all feel cool to the touch initially and take some time to warm up in your hand. On the contrary, plastic or glass fakes tend to warm up instantly.

Which Metals Goes Best with Moss Agate

If you want to use moss agate in the form of jewelry, it’s important to know what metal color will complement it the most. So, let’s explore:

Sterling Silver

It’s the most popular choice for everyday jewelry. The cool hues of silver harmonize with the green and white patterns of moss agate. In addition, sterling silver is quite durable and is known for its timeless appeal, which you’d want in your jewelry as well. 

Gold

Add gold metal to any jewelry, and it’ll create a striking contrast without overwhelming the natural beauty of the gemstone. Taking this forward, yellow gold provides warmth, which makes the green inclusions pop, whereas rose gold adds a romantic feel to the jewelry. On the other hand, white gold offers similar aesthetics and benefits as silver but with the prestige of gold. 

Copper

Copper accentuates the earthy, natural character of moss agate. The reddish-brown tones of copper fit well with the organic patterns to create a look inspired by nature. 

How to Choose the Best Metal?

When it comes to selecting metals for moss agate, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. You’ll need to consider the following factors to pick the most suitable metal for your jewelry:

• Your personal style (minimalism of silver or royalty of gold)

• The specific coloring of moss agate, as some varieties might contain brown as the dominant shade rather than green.

• Whether you want the harmony of copper, the contrast of gold, or the coolness of silver

• Most importantly, if you’re going to wear the jewelry daily, then go for silver or copper. Keep the gold reserved for special occasions, as it requires a little extra care when compared to other metals. 

Choose the “One” that Draws You In

When choosing moss agate crystals, whether for jewelry or healing, don’t be too rigid with patterns and opacity. Instead, notice which stone is drawing your attention the most, as it’s likely to be the one that’s “made for you.”