mineral
Dendritic Agate / Chalcedony
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Manganese/Iron oxide inclusions
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: translucent white to grey base with dark black/brown tree-like or fern-like dendritic inclusions; Luster: vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: none, conchoidal fracture.
- Hardness
- 6
- Luster
- vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale; Color: translucent white to grey base with dark black/brown tree-like or fern-like dendritic inclusions; Luster: vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (microcrystalline); Cleavage: none, conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed when manganese and iron oxide solutions seep into micro-fractures in silica-rich fluids as chalcedony crystallizes, forming branch-like patterns.
Uses & applications
Popular for lapidary work, jewelry making (cabochons, pendants), metaphysical uses, and gemstone collections.
Geological facts
The word 'dendrite' comes from the Greek word 'dendron', meaning tree. Despite their plant-like appearance, these inclusions are purely inorganic mineral formations.
Field identification & locations
Look for translucent to opaque chalcedony containing branch-like, fern-like, or mossy black and brown inclusions. Commonly found in India, Brazil, Madagascar, and the western United States.
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