mineral

Tumbled banded agate

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), variety agate; exact variety is uncertain from the image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Polished brown-and-cream banding with a vitreous to waxy luster. Quartz hardness is 7 Mohs; trigonal crystal structure, with no visible cleavage and conchoidal fracture when broken.

Identified October 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Polished brown-and-cream banding with a vitreous to waxy luster. Quartz hardness is 7 Mohs; trigonal crystal structure, with no visible cleavage and conchoidal fracture when broken.

Formation & geological history

Silica-rich groundwater deposited successive chalcedony layers in a cavity, likely in volcanic rock. Agates form across many geological ages and occur in volcanic and sedimentary settings.

Uses & applications

Used for jewelry, beads, ornaments, and lapidary collections; agate is also used in some precision and decorative applications.

Geological facts

Agate’s layered bands record changing conditions during mineral deposition; polishing commonly enhances their color and pattern.

Field identification & locations

Look for fine, curved or parallel bands and a hard, glassy surface; this small polished specimen cannot be confidently assigned to a specific locality from appearance alone. Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, India, and the United States.