Rock Identifier
Red agate-like polished stone (likely dyed chalcedony) (Chalcedony, microcrystalline SiO₂; possibly dyed quartz or glass imitation) — mineral
mineral

Red agate-like polished stone (likely dyed chalcedony)

Chalcedony, microcrystalline SiO₂; possibly dyed quartz or glass imitation

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent red-orange body, vitreous to waxy luster, rounded tumbled/cut form, and no visible crystal faces. Quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs; the unusually uniform color and rounded edges may indicate dyeing or glass, which cannot be confirmed from the image.

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Physical properties

Translucent red-orange body, vitreous to waxy luster, rounded tumbled/cut form, and no visible crystal faces. Quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs; the unusually uniform color and rounded edges may indicate dyeing or glass, which cannot be confirmed from the image.

Formation & geological history

Natural chalcedony forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities in volcanic rocks, commonly during the Cenozoic or older. Red color may result from iron oxides or commercial dye treatment.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, carvings, beads, and decorative objects; lower-grade pieces are inexpensive craft material.

Geological facts

Chalcedony is cryptocrystalline quartz composed of interlocking quartz and moganite fibers. A glass imitation may show bubbles, conchoidal fractures, or hardness below quartz.

Field identification & locations

Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, India, Madagascar, and the United States. Check with a loupe for banding and bubbles, test hardness cautiously, and inspect drill holes or cracks for concentrated dye.