sedimentary
Agate
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, waxy to vitreous luster, cryptocrystalline quartz structure, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity around 2.6.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Agate 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 the Mohs scale, waxy to vitreous luster, cryptocrystalline quartz structure, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity around 2.6.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the deposition of silica from groundwater in cavities of igneous and sedimentary rocks, often developing over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in ornamental carvings, polished display specimens, jewelry, and precision industrial bearings.
Geological facts
Agate bands represent successive layers of silica solutions flowing into gas cavities in volcanic rock.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive concentric banding and waxy luster; found worldwide in volcanic deposits.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion
Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image
fossil
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary