Rock Identifier
Tumbled blue chalcedony, possibly dyed agate (Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂ (chalcedony)) — mineral
mineral

Tumbled blue chalcedony, possibly dyed agate

Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂ (chalcedony)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale blue, polished, translucent to opaque with a waxy-to-glassy luster; quartz crystal structure is too fine-grained to see. Hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs; the image is too blurry to confirm banding or dye.

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Physical properties

Pale blue, polished, translucent to opaque with a waxy-to-glassy luster; quartz crystal structure is too fine-grained to see. Hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs; the image is too blurry to confirm banding or dye.

Formation & geological history

Silica-rich groundwater deposits chalcedony in cavities and fractures, often in volcanic rocks; formation may span many geological ages. Tumbling and possible coloring are human processing.

Uses & applications

Used for inexpensive jewelry, ornaments, and lapidary pieces; value depends on material quality and treatment.

Geological facts

Blue chalcedony is commonly colored naturally by trace elements, but vivid or unusually uniform color can indicate dye.

Field identification & locations

Look for a smooth, waxy surface and translucence at thin edges; agate varieties often show bands. Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, India, and the United States.