mineral
Agate (Polished Slice)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5 - 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Translucent gray, brown, and tan shades with subtle faint banding. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline/cryptocrystalline quartz). Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture.
- Hardness
- 6
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5 - 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Translucent gray, brown, and tan shades with subtle faint banding. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline/cryptocrystalline quartz). Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed in cavities within volcanic rocks or ancient sedimentary formations where silica-rich groundwater deposited successive layers of microcrystalline quartz over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Popular for decorative items, coasters, lapidary art, jewelry, wire-wrapping, and educational rock collections.
Geological facts
Agate was named by the ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus after the Dirillo (Achates) River in Sicily, where specimens were found over two thousand years ago.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its waxy luster, hardness (scratches glass), smooth polished cut surface, and characteristic concentric or semi-translucent layering near the rim. Commonly found in Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, and the USA.
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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