mineral
Dyed Blue Agate Slice
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale. Luster: Vitreous/Waxy. Structure: Cryptocrystalline. Cleavage: None. Color: Bright artificially dyed blue with natural bands of translucent white and yellow. Specimen is a thin, polished slab.
- Hardness
- 6
- Luster
- Vitreous/Waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 on Mohs scale. Luster: Vitreous/Waxy. Structure: Cryptocrystalline. Cleavage: None. Color: Bright artificially dyed blue with natural bands of translucent white and yellow. Specimen is a thin, polished slab.
Formation & geological history
Formed as a secondary mineral in volcanic rock cavities (vesicles) through the slow deposition of silica from groundwater. The bright neon blue color is achieved after extraction by soaking the porous chalcedony in chemical dyes.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for decorative purposes, wind chimes, coasters, jewelry pendants, and as metaphysical healing stones.
Geological facts
Agate is a variety of chalcedony. While agate occurs naturally in many colors, electric neon blues like this are almost always the result of human-made dyes. The banding patterns represent different stages of silica deposition over time.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the characteristic concentric or 'fortification' banding. To check for dye, look for concentrated color in cracks or a hue that does not occur in nature. Common sources include Brazil and Uruguay.
