Agate
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:SKas" title="User:SKas">SKas</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameAgate
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorswhite, grey, brown, orange
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityKazakhstan
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental objects, collector specimens
Associated Mineralsquartz, amethyst, calcite, zeolites
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a polished cross-section of an agate nodule, revealing intricate, concentric banding in shades of white, grey, brown, and orange, with a rough, earthy outer rind.
Geological Context
Agate typically forms in cavities within volcanic rocks, such as basalt, where silica-rich hydrothermal solutions deposit successive layers of chalcedony, often filling amygdales or veins over time.
