Agate is among the earliest gemstones used by humans. Worked red agate has been found at Neanderthal sites. In the Palaeolithic, before the concept of ""gemstone"" even existed, people were already selecting and shaping this stone.

The red comes from iron oxide. Depending on the degree of oxidation, the colour ranges from orange to deep crimson. Heat treatment to deepen the colour has been documented as far back as the Indus Valley civilisation.

Found in India, Brazil, and Uruguay. A stone that humans have been involved with for tens of thousands of years. As tool, as ornament, as object of prayer. The history of humanity itself runs alongside this stone.