Mineral
Agate (or Quartz with Agate banding)
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5-7 on Mohs scale. Translucent to semi-opaque, often with white, milky, or clear crystalline areas and distinct black or dark banding on the edge. Vitreous to waxy luster. Cryptocrystalline quartz structure.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Agate (or Quartz with Agate banding) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5-7 on Mohs scale. Translucent to semi-opaque, often with white, milky, or clear crystalline areas and distinct black or dark banding on the edge. Vitreous to waxy luster. Cryptocrystalline quartz structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich groundwater filling cavities in volcanic rocks over millions of years. Layers are deposited over time, creating bands.
Uses & applications
Commonly polished and shaped into cabochons for jewelry, decorative pieces, and lapidary arts.
Geological facts
Agate a variety of chalcedony. The dark banding seen on the edge is characteristic of onyx or dark agate layers.
Field identification & locations
Identifiable by its hardness (scratches glass), translucency, and often banded appearance. Agates are common worldwide, particularly in volcanic regions.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary