Mineral

Dyed Agate

SiO2

Hardness 6.5-7 on Mohs scale, highly polished luster, cryptocrystalline quartz structure, conchoidal fracture

Identified June 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness 6.5-7 on Mohs scale, highly polished luster, cryptocrystalline quartz structure, conchoidal fracture

Formation & geological history

Formed in cavities of volcanic rocks as silica-rich fluids cooled over time. Artificial dyeing process adds the unnatural green color.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry making, ornamental carvings, and collecting. This piece has a hole drilled for a pendant.

Geological facts

Agate is frequently dyed to enhance or change its natural colors. The bright green section in this specimen is artificially colored, while the dark brown/black section may be natural or also enhanced.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its banding patterns and often unnatural, very bright colors which indicate dyeing. Natural agates are found worldwide in areas with past volcanic activity.