DENDRITIC AGATE.
In it for the long haul
Dendritic Agate is known as the “Stone of Plentitude,” with ancient Greek farmers burying it in the fields with their crops to try and guarantee a good harvest. Dendritic Agate is associated with abundance and good luck but it is not a quick-fix crystal. It teaches us patience in our actions, patience in changing ingrained behaviours, and patience with ourselves on our healing journey. It is an Earth element crystal with very grounding and calming energy, perfect for nurturing you through your next phase of personal growth. This is an ideal crystal to keep by your side as a companion for the long haul.
Dendritic Agate is a form of Chalcedony, which in turn is a cryptocrystalline Quartz. Technically Dendritic Agate shouldn’t be called “Agate” - that moniker is usually reserved for Chalcedony with banded patterns, but here we are. There are plenty of other exceptions to this rule. Dendritic Agate usually has a base Chalcedony that is translucent pale grey, white, or colourless, inclusions of iron or magnesium then form the darker branches and fern-like patterns. These unique patternations are called dendrites, a word derived from the Greek word “dendron” meaning “tree,” and hence the name Dendritic Agate. Although sometimes the inclusions can look more like a smudge or ink blot, these are still referred to as Dendritic Agate.
Dendritic Agate Snuff Bottle, late 18th - early 19th Century, China (Smudge or ink patternation)
© The Met Museum
Dendritic Agate Nécessaire by British Watchmaker James Cox, ca. 1770-72 (Fern-like patternation)
© The Met Museum
Buyer’s Guide to Dendritic Agate
Private Buyers
When I am buying Dendritic Agate I look for a good high shine polish and interesting patternation. I am a complete sucker for Dendritic Agate. Every wholesaler, every crystal shop, I can’t help but look for it and buy a piece if I fall in love. There is something so blissfully soothing about it and I wear a piece almost every day. I have them in coat pockets, on desks, anywhere I can see and feel them. So if I sound a little biased in my praise of this crystal, that is because I am.
My daily Dendritic Agate necklace by Zoe Nina
If you are in the market for a personal piece then find a piece that feels silky to the touch and sits well in your fingers or hand. Hold it up to the light so you can see the patterns hidden in its depths. A tumble works well as a fidget stone in a pocket but you can’t beat a palm stone for meditation and then there is also more surface area for interesting patternations.
Dendritic Agate pocket stone with backlight.
For the specimen collector look for a slice with clear dendritic patternation - the more fern-like it looks, the better. If it looks like you just pressed a single piece of fern as you would press a flower, then you are onto a winner. Most of these specimens come from India and you can often find quite decent ones on Etsy.
Polished Slice of Dendritic Agate, India
© Smithsonian
Retail Buyers
When buying Dendritic Agate wholesale then again look for polish - it should feel silky with a high shine. Tumbles and palm stones work exceptionally well in retail stores (online and in-person) although if you are selling online make sure people are aware if they are not getting the exact piece shown in the picture as people do tend to fall in love with certain pieces. Flames and freeform carvings also do well but only if the patternation is good. If you get lucky sometimes you find one with a druzy-filled vug. Jewellery with Dendritic Agate (from India) does well, especially as pendants or earrings but again you need to source pieces with good patternation for it to sell well. Most of the Dendritic Agate I’ve seen recently (for tumbles, palm stones etc) has been coming out of Madagascar (direct or via China), so you need to take that into account if you are trying to ethically source.
Dendritic Agate palm stone from Madagascar.
Dendritic Agate palm stone from Madagascar.
Quick Guide | Dendritic Agate
Zodiac: Dendritic Agate is associated with the zodiac sign Gemini.
Ruling Planet: Dendritic Agate’s ruling planet is the Earth.
Chakra: Dendritic Agate is associated with the Root (Muladhara) Chakra.
Element: Dendritic Agate is connected to the Earth element.
Crystal Charging: Dendritic Agate can be charged overnight under a full moon or in a freshwater stream. It can discharge any energetic build-up into the soil, but generally, its chilled vibe hardly needs cleansing.
Crystal Elixir: Dendritic Agate is a variety of cryptocrystalline Quartz and so can be used for making crystal elixir.
Crystal Care: Dendritic Agate can be cleaned with warm soapy water, a soft cloth, or a soft make-up brush.
The chemical formula for Dendritic Agate: SiO₂