mineral

Polished banded agate

Agate, a microcrystalline variety of quartz (SiO₂), chiefly chalcedony

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small polished pebble with curved blue-gray, cream, and orange-brown bands and a waxy-to-glassy luster. Quartz hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs; agate has no prominent cleavage and a trigonal quartz crystal structure at microscopic scale.

Identified October 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Agate forms as silica-rich fluids deposit successive layers in cavities, commonly in volcanic rocks; its age depends on the host deposit and can range from millions to hundreds of millions of years.

Uses & applications

Used for jewelry, beads, cabochons, ornaments, and collections; the pictured piece appears suitable as a small display or craft stone.

Geological facts

The striking stripes are bands of chalcedony, sometimes colored by iron-bearing impurities. Agates occur worldwide, including Brazil, Uruguay, India, Madagascar, and the western United States.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its fine, curved color bands, compact texture, and lack of visible large crystals; the polished surface obscures natural fracture and hardness tests. The image supports banded agate, but the exact variety and any added dye cannot be determined visually.