mineral

Dyed Agate

Chalcedony (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale), Color: Artificially dyed bright pink, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal structure: Cryptocrystalline quartz, Cleavage: None, Specific gravity: 2.58-2.64. The prominent 'crackle' or webbed pattern is typically due to heat treatment and dye penetration into the fractures (commonly called 'cr…

Hardness: 6

Identified June 18, 2026More mineral →

Explore Dyed 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 originally as secondary silica deposits in cavities of volcanic, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks. The vibrant colors and distinct crackle patterns are man-made enhancements created through heating, quenching, and applying synthetic dyes.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in costume jewelry, lapidary arts, and decorative polished pieces. Often cut into cabochons or drilled as pendants.

Geological facts

Naturally occurring chalcedony/agate very rarely exhibits this neon pink coloration. Agate's porous nature makes it highly receptive to artificial dyes, a practice that dates back to ancient Roman times.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its unnaturally bright color and dye concentrations within the fracture lines (the 'crackle' pattern). Often sold under trade names rather than as a natural mineral.