mineral

Tumbled orange-brown agate

Agate, a banded variety of chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; translucent to opaque orange-brown with a waxy to vitreous luster and no visible cleavage. The photo shows a polished pebble, but its subtle internal banding is not clear enough to confirm agate; iron oxides likely cause the color.

Identified October 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Agate forms as silica-rich fluids fill cavities in volcanic rocks, depositing layers over time; deposits range from ancient to geologically recent. Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, India, and the western United States.

Uses & applications

Used for jewelry, beads, ornaments, and small carvings; attractive pieces are collected and polished.

Geological facts

Agate is a microcrystalline form of quartz, so its crystals are generally too small to distinguish individually without magnification.

Field identification & locations

Look for translucent edges and curved or concentric bands; hardness and a waxy luster help distinguish it from softer lookalikes. The image alone cannot establish its exact identity or locality.