mineral
Banded agate beads
Agate, a microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectGreen-and-white banded, polished beads with a waxy-to-glassy luster; Mohs hardness 6.5–7, trigonal quartz structure, no prominent cleavage, specific gravity about 2.6. The color may be enhanced by dyeing.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Banded agate beads in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Green-and-white banded, polished beads with a waxy-to-glassy luster; Mohs hardness 6.5–7, trigonal quartz structure, no prominent cleavage, specific gravity about 2.6. The color may be enhanced by dyeing.
Formation & geological history
Agate forms as silica-rich fluids deposit fine quartz and chalcedony in cavities, commonly in volcanic rocks; deposits span many geological ages. The beads are cut and polished from natural agate, though the image cannot establish whether the green color is natural.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry and ornamental objects; attractive banding makes agate popular for beads and carvings.
Geological facts
Agate’s curved or parallel bands record successive silica deposits, and its microscopic quartz crystals give it a tough, compact texture.
Field identification & locations
Look for distinct bands and a hard, smooth surface; common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, India, and Madagascar. These appear to be shaped beads rather than a raw field specimen.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous