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Gujarat

Agates of Cambay: the treasures mined from Earth

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The gemmological wonders of Cambay

A historically bustling port city in Gujarat, situated at the tip of the gulf of the same name, Cambay has been thriving with international trade since centuries ago. In the 15th century, the city which was earlier known as Khambhat, became popular for something other than its natural beauty and cultural richness. The traders from afar had discovered that the lands of Cambay were similar to an expansive treasure chest that hid stunning gemstones in vibrant hues and entrancing patterns. These were the agates – semiprecious stones that are a type of microcrystalline quartz. Today, jewellery and other decorative items crafted from these stones in a spectrum of colours, mesmerise visitors from around the globe. These are a gem collector’s greatest delight, these are the Agates of Cambay.

The geological marvel

Cambay's Agates can be traced back to millions of years. These semi-precious gemstones, found primarily within volcanic rock cavities, feature distinctive patterns and colours. What truly sets Cambay agates apart is their remarkable diversity. Delicate swirls of blues and pinks to bold reds, fiery oranges and earthy browns: each stone tells an impressive geological tale through its bands and layers encasing time itself in each stunning display of natural wonderment.

The Agate industry of Cambay can be traced back to the late 15th and early 16th century, during the rule of the sultans of Gujarat, at the peak of their prosperity. As a centre of trade, the markets of Cambay were flooded with merchants from the Middle East, Africa and Europe which contributed to the growth of the Agate/Akik industry. In the 17th century, a turning point for the industry came when an Abyssinian merchant by the name of Baba Ghor set up an Akik factory at Limodra near Rajpipla, where the stones were available in plenty. The Agates of Cambay came to be valued so much, that at one point signets and rings made of agates were valued at double their weight in gold!

The cultural connect

Even today, the Agates of Cambay have a sizeable market in the Middle-Eastern and African coast countries. For centuries, Cambay has been an epicentre for agate trading and craftsmanship. Local artisans have perfected the craft of carving exquisite jewellery out of these rocks, keeping this ancient tradition alive. Of all the agates, the vermillion/orange hues of Carnelian agate holds special significance. Believed to be a symbol of all five natural elements – the earth, wind, water, fire and space – the Carnelian is claimed to be the most pious stone on earth, and is worn for it religious and astrological meanings. Other popular varieties of agate include Camel (brown), Blood (deep red), Loi, White King, Khyaldar (grey), Yellow, Navrang (existing in all colours with bands running over the body), Red Jasper, Fancy, Black, Sfatik (crystal), and Rose Quartz.

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From stones to gems

Once agate stones and pebbles are collected, they are sun-heated and fired to reduce the high moisture content within them. The stones are then cut and shaped using a shingadi – a buffalo horn headed hammer. After the stones are chiselled into desired shapes – flat, round, triangular, quadrangular, hexagonal etc. – its surface is smoothened with the use of emery (locally known as kurund or samado) wheel.

Finally, the agates are utilised in the production of necklaces, bangles, earrings, bracelets, rings, cufflinks, rosaries, pendants, key chains, flower vases, ash trays and an endless variety of other items. Tourists visiting Cambay can witness this magical process first-hand at workshops or markets in town; their mesmerising creations provide lasting souvenirs while giving an insight into Cambay's cultural tapestry.

Where to explore

Cambay offers visitors the perfect setting for an agate hunting expedition along its picturesque beaches, where pebbles and rocks often reveal treasure. Popular markets, like Khambhat Agate Market, provide an array of agate jewellery and artefacts; for a more immersive experience one can visit Khambhat's Agate Museum which showcases an amazing collection of agates with fascinating insights into their formation and significance.

Cambay, Gujarat's Agates present an extraordinary combination of geological wonder and cultural significance. Their exquisite gemstones serve as a testament to the region's long and rich history while its natural splendour is simply awe-inspiring. A visit to Cambay's Agate sites will leave visitors entranced; one can’t help but find a newfound appreciation for the many wonders our blue planet has to offer!