gemstone

Dyed Purple Agate Sliced Tablet

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2), variety Chalcedony

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Natural grey/white base with artificial purple dye; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Cryptocrystalline; Cleavage: None; Transparency: Translucent.

Hardness: 6
Color: Natural grey/white base with artificial purple dye
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 17, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Dyed Purple Agate Sliced Tablet in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs); Color: Natural grey/white base with artificial purple dye; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Cryptocrystalline; Cleavage: None; Transparency: Translucent.

Formation & geological history

Formed in cavities of volcanic rocks or ancient lavas by the deposition of silica from groundwater. The purple hue is achieved through an artificial dyeing process of the porous layers.

Uses & applications

Decorative home decor, coasters, jewelry pendants, and metaphysical crystal collecting.

Geological facts

Agate is porous, which allows it to absorb chemical dyes readily. While the purple color in this specimen is synthetic, agates have been used for ornamentation since ancient Greek times.

Field identification & locations

Identify by characteristic concentric banding and waxy appearance. Widely found in Brazil and Uruguay. Collectors should look for evenness in dye and translucency when held to light.

Other gemstone specimens

See all

Diamond and Gold Jewelry

Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)

gemstone

Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond

ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)

gemstone

Ammolite

Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)

mineral

Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)

Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)

gemstone

Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions

sedimentary

Faceted Gemstone

Unknown transparent mineral, possibly Diamond (C), Cubic Zirconia (ZrO2), Quartz (SiO2), or Glass

gemstone