mineral

Dyed Blue Agate (Dragon Vein Agate)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with artificial cobalt/organic dyes

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Neon/electric blue with darker internal crackle patterns; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (cryptocrystalline); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.64

Hardness: 6
Color: Neon/electric blue with darker internal crackle patterns
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified June 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed as a natural chalcedony in volcanic cavities, then subjected to thermal shock (rapid heating and cooling) to create fractures, followed by immersion in blue dyes to fill the cracks.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in costume jewelry, lapidary projects, metaphysical decor, and as pocket stones or aquarium gravel.

Geological facts

Naturally occurring blue agate exists (like Blue Lace Agate), but the vivid 'crackled' appearance shown is 100% man-made through heat-treatment and dyeing. This specific look is often marketed as 'Dragon Vein Agate'.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its unnatural neon hue and deep concentration of color inside cracks. Natural blue minerals rarely show this precise spider-web distribution of pigment. Found globally but processed largely in China and India.

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