Mineral

Dyed Agate

SiO2

Hardness 6.5-7, vivid blue and white banding (unnatural blue), vitreous luster, cryptocrystalline quartz structure.

Identified June 18, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness 6.5-7, vivid blue and white banding (unnatural blue), vitreous luster, cryptocrystalline quartz structure.

Formation & geological history

Agates form in volcanic rocks as nodules, filling cavities. The bright blue color in this specimen is the result of artificial dyeing.

Uses & applications

Mainly used for ornamental purposes, jewelry components (like this pendant), and decorative items.

Geological facts

Agate is extremely porous, making it very easy to dye in bright, unnatural colors like hot pink, bright blue, and emerald green.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its waxy luster, conchoidal fracture, and characteristic banding. Dyed agates have unnaturally vibrant colors that can sometimes pool in micro-fractures.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral