mineral

Tumbled pink banded agate

Chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂), an agate variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 6.5–7 Mohs; pale pink to salmon with fine cream and reddish concentric bands, vitreous to waxy luster, cryptocrystalline structure, and no visible cleavage. The polished surface and translucent bands are characteristic.

Identified August 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich groundwater fills cavities in volcanic rocks, depositing successive layers of chalcedony; banding may develop over millions of years, commonly during the Cenozoic or older volcanic episodes.

Uses & applications

Used for cabochons, beads, carvings, paperweights, and tumbled-stone collections; durable and attractive but generally inexpensive.

Geological facts

Agate’s bands record changing chemistry and conditions during cavity filling. The specimen may also be marketed as pink Botswana agate or dyed agate, though its delicate natural banding appears consistent with agate.

Field identification & locations

Identify by testing for hardness greater than steel, observing curved or concentric banding, and checking that it does not fizz in dilute acid. Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, Botswana, India, and the United States.