Cherry Blossom Agate Pebble; also known as Sekura Stone and Cherry Blossom Chalcedony

Pebbles are hand-carved, so each one is unique. Because of the way it forms, there are natural flaws and pits in some of the stones.

This recently discovered mineral from Madagascar is not really agate but pink chalcedony with what is probably white chalcedony inclusion. The white chalcedony is slightly opaque compared with the translucent pink, and has the appearance of blossoms opening within the crystal – hence the name.

I think I’ve fallen in love with this stone. As with many newly-discovered minerals, cherry blossom agate seems to have appeared just when the world needs it most. It is generally warming, calming and nurturing, and is extremely soothing, especially after recent trauma or stress. Cherry blossom agate has the Heart-focus of pink chalcedony, but its energy is punchier, and it effects all chakras to some extent, clearing discomfort and blockages. This is particularly true of the Solar Plexus, where it dissolves the anger, fear and tension that is often held there. It leaves the user with an overall sense of balance and the feeling that everything is as it should be.

Cherry blossom agate can help us focus on the detail of a project or situation and at the same time stand back to see the whole picture. I’ve seen elsewhere that some equate the blossom formation with the blossoming of the personality or the soul. Although not necessarily what I feel when working with it, given its supportive nature, I see no reason why this should not be the case.