mineral

Yellow Agate

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) - variety of Chalcedony

Hardness: 6.5–7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent yellow to honey-amber with subtle banding; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.58–2.64

Hardness: 6
Color: Translucent yellow to honey-amber with subtle banding
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified March 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed as a secondary mineral in volcanic cavities or sedimentary rocks through the deposition of silica from groundwater; can be found in formations ranging from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic eras.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in lapidary arts, jewelry (beads, cabochons), ornamental carvings, and historical use in tool making (scrapers) due to its durable nature.

Geological facts

Agate was named by the Greek philosopher Theophrastus, who discovered the stone along the shore line of the river Achates in Sicily. Yellow agate is often associated with solar energy and clarity in metaphysical traditions.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its translucency, waxy surface when polished, and lack of visible crystalline structure. Common locations include Brazil, India, Madagascar, and the Lake Superior region of the USA.

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Mineral/Rock

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