gemstone
Agate
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, waxy to vitreous luster, cryptocrystalline structure, and displays characteristic concentric banding in various colors.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, waxy to vitreous luster, cryptocrystalline structure, and displays characteristic concentric banding in various colors.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the deposition of silica from groundwater in cavities of igneous and sedimentary rocks over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely used in jewelry, ornamental carvings, polished beads, and industrial applications requiring durable precision bearings.
Geological facts
Agate was named by Theophrastus after the Achates River in Sicily where ancient specimens were first discovered.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its translucent bands and conchoidal fracture; commonly sourced worldwide from Brazil, India, and the USA.
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