mineral

Banded agate (rough fragment)

Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂ (chalcedony); banding may include iron-oxide coloration

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; translucent, multicolored bands with a waxy to vitreous luster and no visible cleavage. Agate is cryptocrystalline and typically has a conchoidal fracture; the small fragment’s exact properties are difficult to assess from the photo.

Identified October 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms as silica-rich fluids fill cavities and deposit successive layers, often in volcanic rocks. Formation age depends on its source deposit and cannot be determined from appearance alone.

Uses & applications

Commonly cut and polished for jewelry, beads, carvings, and decorative objects; also collected as rough material.

Geological facts

Agate is a variety of chalcedony, not a single crystal species; its characteristic bands record changing conditions during silica deposition.

Field identification & locations

Look for curved or parallel translucent bands and a hard, glassy-to-waxy surface; common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, India, and the western United States. The image suggests a small rough piece, but its identity is not certain from the photo alone.