gemstone

Banding Agate / Jasper Heart

Silicon Dioxide (Chalcedony / Quartz), SiO2

Hardness: 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: multicolored with distinct bands of brown, red, white, and tan. Luster: vitreous to waxy when polished. Crystal structure: microcrystalline (cryptocrystalline quartz). Cleavage: none.

Hardness: 6
Luster: vitreous to waxy when polished

Identified July 28, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the deposition of silica-rich groundwater in hollows or cavities of pre-existing rocks, often volcanic or sedimentary, accumulating in successive layers over geological time scales.

Uses & applications

Commonly used for ornamental carvings, decorative items, polished palm stones, and jewelry.

Geological facts

Agate has been used since antiquity for ornaments, seals, and healing talismans, frequently associated with balance and grounding.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its distinct concentric color banding and high hardness (scratches glass). Commonly sourced from Brazil, India, Madagascar, and the United States.

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