AGATE, a precious Stone called Achates, or Gagathes; and in Hebrew, Shebo. There is mention of it in some places of the Scripture. It is said to take its name from a Ex. xxviii. 19. xxix. 12. שבו Schebo. 70. Ἀχάτης, Achates.river in Sicily, where it is found. Some of these Agates are seen likewise in Phrygia and the Indies. There are many sorts of them; one is called Agate Sardonyx, or only Sardonyx; another Agate Onyx, or Onyx only, another Agate Calcedony, or Calcedony, and nothing more; another, Roman Agate; and lastly, another, German Agate. All these Agates differ in colour and price. Some are to be seen with black and white veins, with veins of gold, and like Amethysts. They make Cups and Vessels of Agate. The oriental Agates are polished and glittering, and sometimes very pretty things are to be seen in them, represented after a natural manner.
Library / Calmet's Dictionary of the Holy Bible, Complete and Unabridged
Volume I · A
Agate
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Augustin Calmet, O.S.B., “Agate,” in Calmet's Dictionary of the Holy Bible, Complete and Unabridged, English translation, Mind of the Church, https://mindofthechurch.com/works/calmet-dictionary/a/agate/.