mineral

Banded Agate (Yellow/Honey Agate)

Agate (Cryptocrystalline Quartz, SiO2)

Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent honey-yellow with cream/white banding; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.58–2.64.

Hardness: 6
Color: Translucent honey-yellow with cream/white banding
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified March 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the deposition of silica from groundwater into cavities (vugs) within volcanic or sedimentary rocks. The banding represents different stages of mineral precipitation. Specimens can range from thousands to millions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (pendants, beads), decorative arts, and as healing stones/lucky charms. Historically used for making burnishing tools and laboratory mortars due to its hardness.

Geological facts

Agate is named after the Achates River in Sicily where it was first discovered in ancient times. The unique 'fortification' banding is a result of periodic changes in the fluid chemistry during formation.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its waxy luster, translucency when held to light, and characteristic concentric or parallel bands. Commonly found in Brazil, India, and the Lake Superior region of the USA. Highly popular for beginner collectors due to its durability.

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