mineral
Banded Agate
Cryptocrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs), Color: Translucent grey and pinkish-brown with white banding, Luster: Waxy to vitreous, Crystal structure: Hexagonal (microcrystalline), Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.64
- Hardness
- 6
Identified More mineral →
Explore Banded Agate in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs), Color: Translucent grey and pinkish-brown with white banding, Luster: Waxy to vitreous, Crystal structure: Hexagonal (microcrystalline), Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.64
Formation & geological history
Formed in cavities of volcanic rocks or ancient lavas, where silica-rich groundwater deposited layers of microcrystalline quartz over long periods.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in jewelry, lapidary arts (cabochons), burnishing tools, and as ornamental gemstones for collectors.
Geological facts
Agate was named by Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher, who discovered the stone along the shore of the Achates River in Sicily. The banding is often cyclic and can be incredibly fine.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its translucent nature, waxy luster, and characteristic concentric or parallel banding pattern. It often exhibits a conchoidal (shell-like) fracture when broken.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous