mineral

Botryoidal Chalcedony

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs. Color: Tan, beige, white, or light blue. Luster: Waxy to vitreous. Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline/cryptocrystalline). Cleavage: None. Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.65.

Hardness: 6
Color: Tan, beige, white, or light blue
Luster: Waxy to vitreous

Identified July 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs. Color: Tan, beige, white, or light blue. Luster: Waxy to vitreous. Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline/cryptocrystalline). Cleavage: None. Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed from the deposition of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in volcanic or sedimentary cavities. The 'bubbly' botryoidal texture occurs as the mineral grows around many nuclei simultaneously.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in lapidary work, jewelry, and as ornamental display specimens for collectors.

Geological facts

The term 'botryoidal' comes from the Greek word 'botrys', meaning a bunch of grapes. This specimen shows a classic example of this growth habit with some druzy quartz in the cavities.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its 'bubbly' surface and waxy finish. It is often found in desert regions or near volcanic areas such as the American Southwest, Morocco, and India.