mineral

Polished orange agate or jasper

Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂, likely iron-oxide-stained chalcedony with dark inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; translucent orange to brown with gray-black patches, waxy-to-glassy luster, cryptocrystalline structure, and no obvious cleavage. The rounded, glossy surface indicates a tumbled or polished specimen.

Identified September 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities in volcanic rock, depositing chalcedony and quartz; orange coloration commonly comes from hematite or limonite. The specimen’s precise geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, decorative objects, and lapidary collections; durable enough for ornamental stone but not typically high-value jewelry.

Geological facts

Agate is a variety of banded or patterned chalcedony, though some pieces have diffuse color zones rather than distinct bands. Dark areas may be iron/manganese oxides or included host-rock material.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its waxy translucence, conchoidal fracture, fine-grained texture, and hardness; it should resist scratching by a steel blade. Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, India, Madagascar, and the western United States.