
mineral
Blue Lace Agate (Tumbled)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale blue with white or darker blue bands; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (Microcrystalline/Cryptocrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.60–2.65
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Pale blue with white or darker blue bands
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale blue with white or darker blue bands; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (Microcrystalline/Cryptocrystalline); Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.60–2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in volcanic rock cavities (vugs) as silica-rich groundwater deposited layers over thousands of years. The blue color often comes from trace amounts of copper or the Tyndall scattering of light through micro-structures.
Uses & applications
Predominantly used for jewelry, lapidary arts, and as a decorative or 'metaphysical' healing stone. Highly valued in the gemstone market for its calming appearance.
Geological facts
Commonly sourced from Namibia, it is famous for its intricate, lace-like banding patterns. Unlike solid blue chalcedony, 'Lace Agate' must exhibit these distinct white wavy lines.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic thin blue and white bands and its translucent to opaque nature. It won't scratch with a steel knife but can be scratched by quartz.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral
Epidote
Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)
mineral