mineral
Polished agate pebble
Banded chalcedony, a microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMostly cream, tan, and pale pink with glossy polish and subtle banding; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The image does not show enough detail to confirm the banding or identify specific inclusions.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Polished agate pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mostly cream, tan, and pale pink with glossy polish and subtle banding; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The image does not show enough detail to confirm the banding or identify specific inclusions.
Formation & geological history
Agate forms as silica-rich fluids fill cavities in volcanic rocks, depositing successive layers over time. Its age depends on the host rock and can range from millions to hundreds of millions of years.
Uses & applications
Polished agate is used for jewelry, ornaments, and collecting; agate is also used in some precision components and traditional cutting tools.
Geological facts
Agate is chalcedony composed of microscopic quartz crystals, rather than a single large quartz crystal.
Field identification & locations
Look for waxy luster, hardness, and curved or concentric bands; common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, India, and the United States. The pictured stone appears tumbled or polished, but its exact identity cannot be confirmed from the image alone.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary