gemstone

Dyed green agate pendant

Microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony), SiO₂; likely dyed agate

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; translucent to opaque green, waxy-to-vitreous luster, cryptocrystalline quartz with no visible cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The rounded polished cabochon and metal bail indicate a jewelry-cut specimen.

Identified August 22, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Agate forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities in volcanic rock, depositing chalcedony in layers over time; its age depends on the host lava, commonly Paleozoic to Cenozoic. The strong, uniform green color is likely artificial dye introduced through porosity or fractures.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in pendants, cabochons, beads, and ornamental objects; agate is also used for carvings and small decorative items.

Geological facts

Natural agate commonly shows banding, moss-like inclusions, or color zoning; intensely uniform green material is often dyed. It may be marketed as “green onyx,” though that trade name can refer to several different materials.

Field identification & locations

Look for curved/concentric banding, translucency at thin edges, quartz-like hardness, and a color concentration in cracks or pores; it should scratch glass but not quartz. Common agate sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, India, and the United States.