Agate
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/47445767@N05">James St. John</a> (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameAgate
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Streak ColorWhite
CleavageNone
FractureConchoidal
Specific Gravity2.6
Colorsorange, brown, white
TransparencyTranslucent
Type LocalityWorldwide
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental objects, collector's specimens, industrial applications
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, zeolites
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a polished slice of agate, revealing intricate concentric banding in shades of warm orange, brown, and creamy white, with several distinct circular 'eye' patterns. The translucent nature of the stone allows light to highlight its layered structure.
Geological Context
Agate forms in cavities of volcanic rocks or ancient lavas, where silica-rich fluids deposit layers of chalcedony, often filling the entire cavity to create a solid nodule or geode.
