mineral
Banded Agate
Agate (Silicon Dioxide - SiO2)
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Gray, lavender, and white bands; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal (Microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.58–2.64
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Gray, lavender, and white bands
- Luster
- Waxy to vitreous
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Gray, lavender, and white bands; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal (Microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.58–2.64
Formation & geological history
Formed from the deposition of silica from groundwater in the cavities of igneous rocks such as basalt. The banding represents discrete stages of mineral deposition.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in lapidary arts for jewelry, decorative carvings, and as a semi-precious gemstone due to its durability and color patterns.
Geological facts
Agate was named by Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher, who discovered the stone along the shore line of the river Achates in Sicily.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its alternating color bands and translucent qualities when held to light. Commonly found in riverbeds or areas with volcanic history.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
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](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral
Epidote
Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)
mineral