gemstone

Dendritic agate cabochon

Chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂) with manganese-oxide dendrites

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent, colorless-to-milky chalcedony with brown, branching flower-like dendritic inclusions; vitreous to waxy luster and no visible cleavage. Mohs hardness 6.5–7; specific gravity about 2.58–2.64; the oval shape is polished and human-worked.

Identified September 5, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Silica-rich groundwater deposited chalcedony in cavities or fractures, while manganese/iron-bearing fluids produced the plant-like dendrites. The specimen’s exact geological age cannot be determined visually; dendritic chalcedony commonly forms in volcanic rocks and sedimentary cavities.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, pendants, decorative objects, and mineral collections. Its value depends mainly on transparency, attractive dendrite patterns, size, and polish.

Geological facts

The inclusions are inorganic mineral growths, not fossils or actual plants; they form through diffusion and crystallization along tiny fractures or surfaces.

Field identification & locations

Identify by translucency, waxy-vitreous luster, quartz-like hardness, and branching inclusions that remain internal rather than surface-painted. Common sources include India, Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, and the United States.