Agate
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Ronveron&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="User:Ronveron (page does not exist)">Veronika Ronkos</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameAgate
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemamorphous
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorsred, orange, yellow, purple, white, brown
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityBrazil, Uruguay, Mexico, USA
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental, industrial, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, zeolites
Raritycommon
Description
This macro image displays an agate slab with vibrant, intricate patterns of red, orange, yellow, and purple, showing a translucent quality and a waxy to vitreous luster.
Geological Context
Agate forms in cavities of volcanic rocks or ancient lavas, where silica-rich fluids deposit successive layers of cryptocrystalline quartz, often creating concentric bands or botryoidal structures within geodes or veins.
