Rock Identifier
Agate (Silicon dioxide (SiO2)) — gemstone
gemstone

Agate

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, waxy to vitreous luster, translucent to opaque, with a microcrystalline structure.

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Physical properties

Hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale, waxy to vitreous luster, translucent to opaque, with a microcrystalline structure.

Formation & geological history

Forms by the deposition of silica from groundwater in the cavities of igneous and sedimentary rocks over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry, decorative ornaments, and precision instruments due to its durability and attractive banding.

Geological facts

Agate was highly prized in ancient civilizations as a talisman and for creating intricate carved cameos.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive concentric color bands and conchoidal fracture, commonly found globally in volcanic rock cavities.