mineral
Banded Agate
Cryptocrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs), Color: Translucent grey and pinkish-brown with white banding, Luster: Waxy to vitreous, Crystal structure: Hexagonal (microcrystalline), Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.64
- Hardness
- 6
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs), Color: Translucent grey and pinkish-brown with white banding, Luster: Waxy to vitreous, Crystal structure: Hexagonal (microcrystalline), Cleavage: None, Specific Gravity: 2.58-2.64
Formation & geological history
Formed in cavities of volcanic rocks or ancient lavas, where silica-rich groundwater deposited layers of microcrystalline quartz over long periods.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in jewelry, lapidary arts (cabochons), burnishing tools, and as ornamental gemstones for collectors.
Geological facts
Agate was named by Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher, who discovered the stone along the shore of the Achates River in Sicily. The banding is often cyclic and can be incredibly fine.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its translucent nature, waxy luster, and characteristic concentric or parallel banding pattern. It often exhibits a conchoidal (shell-like) fracture when broken.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
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metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Biotite Schist (Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]) — metamorphic](https://media.rock.id/9ca564b5-bc87-402b-965a-69b21f9aa6bf-thumbnail.jpg)
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic