mineral
Banded Agate
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, waxy to vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, trigonal crystal structure (microcrystalline), translucent to opaque with distinct color banding.
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Physical properties
Hardness 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, waxy to vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, trigonal crystal structure (microcrystalline), translucent to opaque with distinct color banding.
Formation & geological history
Forms within cavities of volcanic rocks or metamorphic settings where silica-rich fluids deposit layers of chalcedony over extended periods.
Uses & applications
Widely used in lapidary arts, jewelry, decorative carvings, cabochons, and as popular collecting specimens.
Geological facts
Agate bands can be paper-thin, with hundreds of distinct layers forming in a single small nodule, reflecting changing geochemical conditions during its growth.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), smooth conchoidal fracture, and characteristic sub-parallel translucent banding. Common along riverbeds, gravel bars, and volcanic areas.
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