gemstone

Polished banded agate cabochon

Agate, a banded variety of chalcedony (microcrystalline SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mohs hardness 6.5–7; cream, gray, olive, and brown concentric bands with a waxy-to-vitreous luster. Quartz-family trigonal structure; no visible cleavage, with conchoidal fracture in uncut material. Exact specific gravity cannot be determined from the image.

Identified October 17, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Silica-rich fluids deposited successive chalcedony layers in a cavity, commonly in volcanic rock. Agates form across many geological ages; the specimen’s source and age are not identifiable from the photo.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, jewelry, ornaments, and collecting; agate is also used for small decorative and precision objects.

Geological facts

The oval, polished, domed shape is a cut cabochon, and its natural-looking layered bands are characteristic of agate.

Field identification & locations

Look for fine, curved or concentric bands and a hard, glassy-to-waxy surface; agates occur worldwide, often in volcanic rocks and stream gravels. The pictured cabochon appears to be natural banded agate, but treatment or exact locality cannot be confirmed visually.