mineral

Dyed Agate Slice

Chalcedony (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2) with artificial pigment

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Artificial forest green (originally gray/white); Luster: Vitreous/Waxy; Structure: Cryptocrystalline; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.60-2.65

Hardness: 6
Color: Artificial forest green (originally gray/white)
Luster: Vitreous/Waxy

Identified July 7, 2026More mineral →

Explore Dyed Agate Slice 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 as secondary deposits of silica in cavities within volcanic lavas or metamorphic rocks. This specific specimen has been sliced and chemically dyed to achieve the deep green color, which is not natural to this specific agate variety.

Uses & applications

Used primarily for ornamental purposes, coasters, home decor, jewelry, and as educational specimens for collectors.

Geological facts

The practice of dyeing agate dates back to Roman times; the stone is porous enough to absorb pigments deep into its crystalline structure. Natural green agate is usually moss agate or chrysoprase, which look significantly different from this dyed piece.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by looking for translucent nodding rocks with a rough, pitted exterior. For dyed pieces, identification is based on the 'unnatural' intensity and saturation of the color often concentrated in specific bands or cracks.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Granite

Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)

igneous