Agate
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Sailko" title="User:Sailko">Sailko</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameAgate
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.6
Colorscreamy white, pale orange, pink
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityWorldwide
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental objects, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, calcite, zeolites
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a polished cross-section of agate, revealing intricate concentric banding in shades of creamy white and pale orange-pink. The translucent layers show a fine, fibrous texture, characteristic of chalcedony.
Geological Context
Agate typically forms in cavities within volcanic rocks, such as basalt, where silica-rich fluids deposit successive layers of chalcedony, often with varying impurities that create its distinctive banded patterns.
