In order to work with our crystals effectively, we need to understand their properties. With crystals that look similar or have similar uses, such as tree agate and moss agate, it can be difficult to determine which one to work with. The answer should always be; the one that you are drawn to the most. However, if you are looking to find the difference in physical appearance as well as metaphysical properties, you’ll find your answer here.
The names tree and moss agate are often used interchangeably, while they are actually two different stones. Tree agate is opaque with a pattern that looks like tree branches and is considered the stone of abundance. Moss agate is often transparent or translucent with a moss-like pattern and is associated with new beginnings.
Continue reading if you want to know more about the (physical) qualities of these stones, as well as how you can use them in your spiritual practice.
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Tree Agate vs. Moss Agate – How To Tell The Difference?
In order to understand the difference between these two stones, we can look at the color, shape, pattern, clarity, and more. Below we’ll describe all these aspects in detail.
Also read: Can Agate Go In Water? (Blue Lace, Moss, Iris and More)
Pattern and Clarity
Clarity is one of the main differences between a tree agate and a moss agate. The tree agate stone appears to be more opaque compared to the translucent moss agate and has a dull or waxy luster.
Aside from this, the pattern of the green inclusion is also different. A tree agate has branch-like green formations that differ in color intensity, while the moss agate has inclusions that resemble moss hence its name. Moss agate can have a glassy or glossy finish.
Both tree and moss agate lack the banding formations that you would typically associate with agates.
Color
Tree agate has a white base with rich inclusions, that are often green, and look like the branches of a tree. On the other hand, moss agate is milky white, transparent, or translucent, with moss-like inclusions. Sometimes the inclusions on this stone take over and there is hardly any room for the base color.
For either of these crystals, the colors vary depending on the oxidation state of the trace minerals present within the stone. As a result, it is possible that inclusions aren’t just green, but also blue or even brown.
Hardness
Tree agates rate 6-7 while moss agates rate 6.5- 7 on the Mohs scale. If you’re unfamiliar, the Mohs scale of hardness determines a stone’s hardness by measuring how scratch-resistant it is. According to this scale, a stone can scratch any other mineral with a lower score. For reference, talc is a 1, whereas diamond is a 10.
These stones are fairly resistant to damage but should be kept away from harder stones that can cause chipping or damage.
Chemical Composition
Both tree agate and moss agate are composed of quartz and are members of the chalcedony group of minerals. The stones are silicates whose chemical composition is silicon dioxide.
They are formed when iron oxides and manganese get into the tiny cracks of quartz. This impurity then oxidizes, leaving the stone with a green, blue, or brown color pattern.
For tree agate, these inclusions are formed in white quartz, for moss agate, most of the time, they are formed in transparent quartz.
Location
Most tree agate stones come from India, Madagascar, and Brazil.
Moss quartz is easily available in areas where quartz and chalcedony minerals are mined. The leading producers of this stone are India, Russia, and Australia.
Care
Care should be taken when handling and storing these stones to prevent damage. This is because the stones rate below 7 in mineral hardness, which indicates that they are vulnerable to breaking and scratches.
We recommend cleaning your stones by either running them under tap water or cleaning them with a damp cloth. If you’d like, you can use some detergent as well. Make sure to dry the stones afterward. Although it won’t cause immediate problems, we never recommend leaving stones to soak, as this can turn them dull or brittle.
Apart from physically cleaning the stones, you might want to clear them from negative energies. This is highly recommended if you used them for their metaphysical properties.
The reason for this is that these stones absorb low vibrations. Every month or so, you want to remove these energies from the stone so you can continue to use it. After cleansing, it is recommended you also recharge the stones, to make sure they are full of positive energy to share with you. Below you’ll find some ways to do this.
Water Cleansing
Both stones can be cleansed and recharged under running water. Running water cleanses off the negative energies accumulated on the stone and fills it with new ones.
Sound Cleansing
Sound cleansing is done to restore the vibrations of the stone after use. This can be done using bells and singing bowls or any other form of music. If this is your preferred method of cleansing, you can use the video below; just let the sound fill the room. You might also want to meditate or visualize at this time.
Light Charging
Both stones can be cleansed and recharged using the sun or the moonlight. Do not expose the stones to direct sunlight for prolonged hours to prevent damage or fading. We also do not recommend leaving these out during midday. A better option would be the morning sun.
Clear Quartz or Selenite Cleansing and Charging
Clear quartz and selenite are some of the best self-cleansing crystals. Leaving the crystals in the presence of clear quartz or selenite for a day will both cleanse and fill the stone with positive energies.
Also read: Can Agate Be In The Sun? (Blue Lace, Moss, Iris And More)
Metaphysical Properties
Beware that crystals are never a replacement for professional medical help. If you have any issues, see a doctor first and follow their advice.
Let’s first have a look at what tree agate can do for us.
This stone is known for being related to the earth element, which means it emits energies that bring peace and ease. As a result, the stone can be used to process and clear negative thoughts and establish your much-needed quiet time. It is also a great stone to use for stress relief and tolerance in difficult times.
When worn, the stone connects you to mother nature and establishes stability, balance, and protection.
On a physical level, this is stone is used to help treat heart and back-related disorders, insomnia, immune system, and nervous system-related disorders.
Moss agate, on the other hand, is known as a stone of new beginnings. The stone can be useful when you are starting a new chapter in your life.
It also helps in discovering life’s purpose, nurtures inner growth, and helps you stay in alignment with your aspiration. You can count on a moss agate for strength, willpower, and drive towards your goals. Moss agate is also associated with luck, balance, and healing.
In terms of the physical body, the stone is used to speed up recovery, cleanse the circulatory system and boost immunity.
Uses
There are many different ways to use these stones. Below we’ll outline a few options for you.
Jewelry
Just like any other crystal, these stones are often used as jewelry. For moss agate and tree agate in particular, the stones’ hardness is durable enough to be made into jewelry pieces that can be worn regularly. If you are wanting to work with these stones’ energies, it is recommended that you wear them on the skin and as often as possible, daily if possible.
Feng shui
In Feng Shui, tree agates utilize metal energies. The metal element is associated with creativity and intelligence. These stones are most effective when placed in the northern part of the home. Tree agates can also be used together with other stones like moss agate for growth, health, and nourishment.
Moss agate, on the other hand, utilizes wood energies. These energies are best used when these stones are in the southeastern and eastern parts of the home. Wood energies represent health, growth, expansion, and nourishment.
Chakra Association
Chakras are the different energy points in our body. There are 7, each of them linked to a certain aspect of our lives. We can connect each chakra to crystals or gemstones by color as well as their properties.
Both ree and moss agate are associated with the heart chakra, but tree agate is also associated with the root chakra.
The chakra heart chakra is located in the chest and represents love, empathy, harmony, and emotions. Both stones can be used to balance and harmonize energies associated with the heart chakra.
The root chakra, also known as the base chakra is located at the end of the spine and governs grounding, security, and inner peace. Because the stone is linked to the earth element, it serves to help you feel secure, grounded, and connected to mother earth.
Also read: What Chakra Is Moss Agate? (Full Guide)
Zodiac Association
Agate in general in a mystical (Tibetan) birthstone for September, and thus Virgos and Libras. It is also the ayurvedic (Indian) birthstone for May, and thus Geminis and Cancers born in this month.
Tree agate and moss agate both resonate with Virgo and Gemini, as they are all ruled by Mercury. Gemini is a two-sided sign; on one hand, the zodiac sign is upbeat, and on the other hand, it can be impulsive. The healing abilities of these agates will help a Gemini in decision-making and logical thinking when faced with a tough situation.
These agates also bring calm, and relieve anxiety and overthinking in Virgos. The stone reminds the zodiac sign to slow down and take care of themselves as they pursue their goals. The stone is a remedy when you feel disconnected in any area of your life.
Element Association
Both stones are associated with the earth element. Many cultures have developed the idea of elements to explain nature. In the west, this idea was coined by the ancient Greeks and consisted of 4 elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. In India, another element is added: Akasha, representing the foundation of the other elements.
The 4 elements represent the following:
- Earth for personal growth, stability and security
- Water for love, friendships and emotions
- Air for intellect, wisdom and communication
- Fire for energy, passion and action
Crystals that resonate with the earth element can be used to manifest growth, rootedness, and safety. People who resonate with this element are heavily reliant on routines, hardworking, and reliable. Stones of this element work best when placed in areas of the home where you want to activate the earth element energies.
Ruling Planet
Both tree agate and moss agate are associated with Mercury, the planet of communication. This is also the planet that rules Virgo and Gemini. When we talk about a ruling planet, we simply mean which planet has more influence over a certain sign than the other planets. For Virgo and Gemini, this means that the signs are generally perceived to be open-minded, curious, and intellectual.
Also read: Can Agate Go In Salt? (Blue Lace, Moss, Iris And More)
Numerical Vibration
Tree agate stones vibrate at the frequency of 3. The number is symbolic of mind, body, and soul connection, creativity, optimism, and the cycle of life. People of this number are optimistic and creative.
Moss agate vibrates at the frequency of 1. The number in numerology represents freedom, originality, and leadership. People who resonate with the number are focused and very ambitious. Number 1s are independent and will achieve anything they set their minds to. Crystals that match the need can be used to harness these qualities.
Best Combinations
To get the most out of our work with crystals, it can be incredibly beneficial to pair and combine crystals with similar properties. This way, they can strengthen and enhance each other. Below you’ll find some interesting options.
- Tree agate and moss agate can be combined with any member of the tourmaline family for grounding and protection. The pair can also be used to restore balance and beauty in love relationships.
- Moss agate with fuchsite will be a good remedy to eliminate stagnancy in any area of your life. The pair encourages gratitude and change in how we view life.
- Moss and tree agate can be combined for the heart chakra and are also a good combination for Feng Shui practices.
- Moss agate paired with amethyst improves brain activity, focus, intuition, and critical thinking.
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