Zodiac Signs

Taurus

Date of Birth ...... April 21 to May 21 Symbol ...... Bull Ruling Planet ...... Venus Element ...... Earth Favorable Days ...... Friday and Saturday Favorable Stones ...... Agate, Coral, Turquoise Favorable Colors ...... Blue, Orange and Pink Favorable Number ...... 4 Favorable Metal ...... Brass and Copper

Properties of the Lucky Stones for Taurus / Characteristics of Favorable Gemstones for Taurus / Attributes of Compatible Stones for the Taurus Sign / Traits of Taurus Birthstones

Agate / Carnelian

Common Name: Agate. Persian: Aqeeq. Arabic: Aqeeq. Nature: It is a famous stone; the finest quality comes from Yemen. Temperament: Cold and dry in the second degree. Color and Appearance: Red, yellow, white, black, and dendritic (tree-like patterns). Taste: Bland; it has no distinct taste. Harmful Effects: It can be harmful to the kidneys. Corrective (Antidote): Tragacanth gum (Katira) and hydrating/moist substances. Substitute: Red Coral root (Busud Ahmar) and Amber (Kahraba). Astrological Association: Associated with Pluto. Special Benefits: Strengthens the heart, eyesight, and teeth; relieves palpitations. Maximum Dosage: Up to one and three-quarter mashas (a traditional unit of weight). Minimum Dosage: Four to six rattis. Actions and Properties: Drinking finely dissolved agate (about six rattis) provides strength to the heart. It cures palpitations and acts as a hemostatic (stops bleeding), especially for menstrual bleeding that doesn't stop by normal means. When taken with deobstruent medicines, it clears blockages in the liver and spleen; with lithotriptic (stone-breaking) medicines, it helps break down kidney stones. Applying it as surma (collyrium) strengthens eyesight, and using it as a tooth powder strengthens teeth and prevents gums from bleeding. Wearing it around the neck dispels anger and rage and is beneficial for palpitations. General Description and Composition: Agate is a beautiful and renowned gemstone. Some scholars argue that agate is not strictly a single mineral, because the term "mineral" usually applies to substances whose components, upon chemical analysis, possess the exact same fundamental nature as the element they belong to. This is not the case with agate. This gem is actually a composite of several minerals from the silica and quartz families, which differ from one another in color, appearance, and structure. When two or more of these minerals combine to form a nodule, developing spots and layers, it is called agate. These constituent minerals are gemstones in their own right and include: Chalcedony, Onyx (Sang-e-Sulaimani), Jade (Sang-e-Yashm), Opal, Amethyst, Goldstone (Sang-e-Sitara), Bloodstone (Hajar-ud-Dam), Mocha stone, and Bhikham. In English, it is called Agate. Based on varying colors and appearances, there are several types of agate: Riband Agate: (Silk ribbon-like agate) Features layers of different colors that intersect one another. Onyx Agate: (Sulaimani Agate) The colors of the layers are vibrant, and the layers run parallel to the surface. Banded Agate: (Yellowish agate) Features various types of stripes or bands. Circular Agate: Agate that contains circular-shaped stripes. Eye Agate: If there is a dot of a different color at the center of the concentric stripes, it is called Eye Agate. Iris/Rainbow Agate: Its stripes combine to form the shape of a rainbow, and when held up to the sunlight, it displays prismatic colors. The thinner the stone, the more pronounced this effect is. In addition to these, many scholars classify them into the following types: Ribbon Agate: Features layers of jade and chalcedony in parallel rows. It primarily comes from Siberia and Sicily. Brecciated Agate: This is originally amethyst, compounded with fragmented pieces of ribbon agate. It comes from Saxony. Fortification Agate: Found in various shapes. When cut, its parallel lines resemble the structure of a fortress or building. Pieces of Bhikham and amethyst are often visible in it. Moss Agate: (Botanical agate) Consists of chalcedony with stripes of red jade. Its appearance suggests a botanical/plant origin. It contains iron oxides, and some even contain naphtha. Its surface is ground on a stone and polished with soft wood. Its brown and yellow colors are due to the presence of magnesia and iron oxides. Sardonyx. Plasma: A semi-transparent stone of grassy-green color with yellow and white spots. Its color is due to the presence of chlorite. Geographical/Quality Classification: Agate is also categorized another way: all highly lustrous and superior quality pieces are termed "Eastern," while the lesser grades are called "Western" agates. Persian Classifications: In Persian texts, the following types of agate are documented: Red and Liver-colored: Their internal color is much redder than their external surface. Clear and Transparent: They possess high, mirror-like reflectivity. Siqaq: Not very transparent and lacks mirror-like reflectivity. Piebald (Ablaqi): A mixture of white and black. Zul-balqati or Joza: Features flaky layers similar to mica. Dendritic (Shajari): Resembles a tree or a hill in its natural patterns. Baba Gari or Sulaimani: Features distinct circular markings. In Egypt, green agate is called Antas, black is called Sulaimani, and dust-colored (khaki) is called Gori. Since agate is found in great abundance in Yemen, stones with the most excellent colors are renowned as Yemeni Agate (Aqeeq-e-Yamani).