mineral
Yellow Chalcedony / Yellow Agate
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Yellow to translucent gold; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.58-2.64
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Yellow to translucent gold
- Luster
- Waxy to vitreous
Identified More mineral →
Explore Yellow Chalcedony / Yellow Agate in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6.5-7 (Mohs scale); Color: Yellow to translucent gold; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Microcrystalline; Cleavage: None; Specific gravity: 2.58-2.64
Formation & geological history
Formed through the deposition of silica-rich groundwater in cavities of igneous and sedimentary rocks. Often found in volcanic geodes or as nodules in sedimentary layers.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry as cabochons (as seen in this wire-wrapped pendant), ornamental carvings, and for metaphysical purposes in the crystal healing community.
Geological facts
Yellow chalcedony belongs to the quartz family but has a microcrystalline structure, meaning its crystals are too small to see with the naked eye. It has been used for seals and jewelry since antiquity.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its waxy luster, translucency, and lack of visible crystal faces. It is common in riverbeds and volcanic areas in Brazil, India, and the Western USA. It will scratch glass but cannot be scratched by a steel knife.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock