sedimentary
Agate
Chalcedony (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Variable, often banded in white, gray, blue, red, brown; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.58-2.64
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Variable, often banded in white, gray, blue, red, brown
- Luster
- Waxy to vitreous
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: 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Variable, often banded in white, gray, blue, red, brown; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.58-2.64
Formation & geological history
Formed mainly in cavities of volcanic and metamorphic rocks through the deposition of silica from groundwater solutions over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used for making jewelry, ornamental objects, carvings, mortars and pestles for laboratory use, and highly prized by mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Agates are among the most popular stones used in lapidary art. The bands in an agate reflect the successive stages of deposition of silica in a cavity.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its characteristic concentric bands or translucent waxy appearance. Commonly found in regions with ancient volcanic activity worldwide, such as Brazil, India, Germany, and the US.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Quartz pebble
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
sedimentary
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Shale (or Mudstone/Siltstone)
Sedimentary Mudrock (SiO2, Al2O3 base with clay minerals)
sedimentary