mineral

Blue Lace Agate

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) - Variety of Chalcedony

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Light blue with white or darker blue bands; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.60-2.65

Hardness: 6
Color: Light blue with white or darker blue bands
Luster: Waxy to vitreous

Identified March 31, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Light blue with white or darker blue bands; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.60-2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the deposition of silica from groundwater in the cavities of igneous rocks, primarily volcanic lavas. Most high-quality specimens date back to the Precambrian era.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular collector's specimen for its aesthetic banding.

Geological facts

Blue Lace Agate was first discovered in Namibia in the early 1960s by George Swanson. It is considered one of the rarest varieties of agate because the primary source in Namibia is depleting.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive delicate blue and white banding and waxy texture. It is famously found in the Ysterputs mine in southern Namibia, as well as parts of South Africa and Romania.

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