mineral

Blue Lace Agate

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) - Variety of Chalcedony

Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: Light blue with white or darker blue banding; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.65.

Hardness: 6
Color: Light blue with white or darker blue banding
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the deposition of silica from groundwater in the cavities of igneous rocks (volcanic lava flows) over millions of years. This specific variety is primarily associated with the Tertiary period.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular specimen for crystal collecting and metaphysical purposes.

Geological facts

Blue Lace Agate was first discovered in Namibia in the early 1960s by George Swanson. It is considered one of the rarest and most sought-after varieties of chalcedony due to its delicate banded patterns.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive thin, wavy blue and white bands. It is less translucent than pure chalcedony and has a more defined internal structure. Found mainly in Namibia, but also smaller deposits in South Africa, Brazil, and China.

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