sedimentary

Crazy Lace Agate

Chalcedony (SiO2 with inclusions)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Multi-colored with swirling bands of yellow, grey, white, and brown; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.

Hardness: 6
Luster: Waxy to vitreous

Identified July 20, 2026More sedimentary →

Explore Crazy Lace Agate in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily during the Cretaceous period roughly 65-90 million years ago, this agate is found in volcanic rock cavities where silica-rich fluids deposited layers over time, specifically in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Uses & applications

Commonly used in jewelry (pendants, beads), ornamental carvings, and holistic collecting. Due to its hardness, it is also popular for tumbled stones.

Geological facts

Known as the 'Laughter Stone' or 'Happy Lace,' it is famous for its intricate, zig-zag patterns and bright colors. It is a Mexican agate found only in Chihuahua.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive lace-like banding and varied color palette. Unlike regular banded agate, crazy lace features more complex, overlapping circular and angular patterns. It is almost exclusively found in the Sierra Madre Mountains.