mineral

Polished banded agate

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), variety agate

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; glossy vitreous polish with brown and white bands. Trigonal quartz, cryptocrystalline and without visible cleavage; specific gravity about 2.6.

Identified September 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; glossy vitreous polish with brown and white bands. Trigonal quartz, cryptocrystalline and without visible cleavage; specific gravity about 2.6.

Formation & geological history

Silica-rich fluids deposited successive layers in cavities, commonly in volcanic rocks; agates formed across many geological ages. The specimen appears shaped and polished.

Uses & applications

Used for jewelry, beads, ornaments, and lapidary collecting.

Geological facts

Agate’s curved or irregular bands form as silica layers accumulate, often recording changes in the cavity’s fluids.

Field identification & locations

Look for hardness, waxy-to-glassy luster, and distinctive internal banding; common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, India, and the United States. The image’s small size and polish limit reliable identification of its exact variety.