sedimentary
Agate
Silicon Dioxide (Chalcedony), SiO2
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, waxy luster, microcrystalline structure, and distinctive concentric color banding.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, waxy luster, microcrystalline structure, and distinctive concentric color banding.
Formation & geological history
Formed by the deposition of silica from groundwater in cavities of igneous and sedimentary rocks over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in ornamental jewelry, decorative slabs, carvings, and precision instruments due to its durability.
Geological facts
Agate is one of the most popular lapidary stones, with ancient civilizations using it for amulets and seals.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its translucent layers and conchoidal fracture, commonly found globally in volcanic rock cavities.
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