What is Moss Agate? Meaning, Properties and Types of Jewellery

Moss Agate is a semi-precious gemstone characterised by dark green dendritic or plant-like formations within the gem. Most Moss Agate is semi-opaque and transparent enough to reveal each unique pattern within the stone.

Chemically speaking, Silicon Dioxide forms the chemical composition of this mineral, also known as silica—an oxide of silicon with the chemical formula SiO₂. Silica comes from nature as quartz and in various living organisms. It occurs commonly in a variety of forms, such as the sand found on most beaches.

Moss Agate, a form of Chalcedony, often features green filaments and patterns forming unique gemstones cut into various shapes and sizes. Gemstone cuts include spheres, cubes, faceted gems, cabochon stones and geometric cuts. Interestingly, the green colours are not botanical, but, come from elements such as iron or chromium within the matrix of the gem.

This fascinating gem originates from many countries across the world, including Brazil, India, Uruguay, the USA and central Europe. The name “Mocha Stone” relates to one specific source in Yemen where the mineral was found. Many examples derive from alluvial deposits originating from volcanic activity.

Healing Properties and Meaning

Many people attribute a variety of beneficial properties to this eye-catching gemstone. For example, it assists in healing, bolsters the immune system and even aids childbirth with its pain-relieving properties, ensuring a smooth delivery.

Physical Properties, Hardness and Durability

In general, Agate makes a suitable gemstone for daily wear and measures 7 on Mohs Scale. However, necklaces make more sense and encounter far less wear than a Moss Agate engagement ring. When it comes to caring for your Agate gemstone, water will not dissolve the stone, but mild warm soapy water will help to keep your gemstone clean.

The unique patterns, colours and appearance add to the stone’s unique appearance. For example, we recently sourced two lozenge-shaped Agates ready to craft into new one-of-a-kind jewellery designs for our Ryde showroom. These are both available (until sold) from our website and showroom.

Moss Agate Price and Affordability

Moss Agate jewellery rarely breaks the bank. Jewellery examples vary enormously in price, depending on the precious metal type and other gemstones that may or may not be included. For anyone on a budget, seeking an engagement ring below one thousand pounds, it makes a perfect choice.

Our own necklaces, although handmade and unique one-off designs, cost below three hundred pounds.

Moss Agate Necklaces

This interesting gemstone makes the perfect choice for a necklace—far less expensive than a diamond pendant. But who would this unique gem suit? Perhaps anyone with a passion for nature, botany, gardening or with a love of plants.

Moss Agate ring designs

For anyone in search of an unconventional ring design, set with a unique gemstone, Moss Agate provides a unique and affordable gemstone option. Owing to the diversity of shapes, sizes and varieties, we provide bespoke ring designs at Serendipity Diamonds. For example, we created the design below as part of a Moss Agate engagement ring and diamond wedding ring set. Our client requested an oval Cabochon Moss Agate. As part of our service, we provided a selection of gemstones as shown below.

Each oval gemstone featured the classic domed appearance, with a flatter base, suitable for setting into the ring. We paired the ring with sparkling white lab-grown diamonds, ethically sourced and matched to the accompanying wishbone-shaped wedding ring—both crafted in 18-carat rose gold.