mineral

Dyed Agate Slice

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 6.5-7 Mohs; Color: Artificially dyed blue (originally grey/white); Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (cryptocrystalline chalcedony); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.64.

Hardness: 6
Color: Artificially dyed blue (originally grey/white)
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 14, 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 in volcanic rock cavities (geodes) or within sedimentary rock. Often found in South America (Brazil) or Germany. The blue hue in this specimen is achieved through a chemical dyeing process, likely involving potassium ferricyanide and iron salts.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as decorative display pieces, coasters, wind chimes, and elements in costume jewelry or metaphysical collections.

Geological facts

Agate is a variety of chalcedony characterized by its fineness of grain and brightness of color. While agates occur naturally in many colors, the vibrant, uniform blues seen here are rarely found in nature and are almost always the result of human enhancement.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its translucent nature and characteristic concentric banding (though faint in this thin slice). Natural agates are often grey, brown, or white; bright neon blues or pinks indicate treatment. Found worldwide in volcanic areas.