Banded variety of chalcedony displaying concentric or parallel layers of varying colors. Each band represents a separate deposition event. Color: Banded, multicolored. Luster: Waxy. Streak: White. Cleavage: None conchoidal fracture. Hardness: 6.5-7. Transparency: Translucent. Crystal system: Hexagonal Trigonal. Chemical formula: SiO₂. Specific gravity: 2.60. Formation: Forms in volcanic rock cavities where silica-rich fluids deposit successive layers of microcrystalline quartz. Common geological settings: Brazil, India, Uruguay, Mexico, Madagascar; found in basaltic lavas. Common look-alikes and related entries: Jasper, Onyx, Banded Flint.
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:36:42.679056+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Banded variety of chalcedony displaying concentric or parallel layers of varying colors. Each band represents a separate deposition event.
How can you identify Agate?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Banded, multicolored; lustre: Waxy; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 6.5-7; cleavage: None conchoidal fracture; crystal system: Hexagonal Trigonal; transparency: Translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Agate form?
Forms in volcanic rock cavities where silica-rich fluids deposit successive layers of microcrystalline quartz.
Where is Agate commonly found?
Brazil, India, Uruguay, Mexico, Madagascar; found in basaltic lavas.
What is Agate commonly confused with?
Agate may be confused with Jasper, Onyx, Banded Flint. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
JavaScript is loading the interactive GeoMiner experience. The identification tools provide educational candidates, not laboratory confirmation.
