
Agate Geode
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/14730981@N08">James Petts</a> from London, England (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mineral NameAgate Geode
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorswhite, pink, brown, grey, colorless
Transparencytranslucent (agate), transparent to translucent (quartz crystals)
Type LocalityWorldwide (e.g., Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay, USA)
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental, collector's item
Associated Mineralschalcedony, quartz
Raritycommon
Description
This image displays a cross-section of an agate geode, revealing concentric bands of white, pink, and brownish chalcedony surrounding a central cavity filled with small, sparkling colorless to white quartz crystals.
Geological Context
Agate geodes typically form in volcanic rocks or sedimentary environments where silica-rich water infiltrates cavities, depositing layers of chalcedony and subsequently growing quartz crystals within the hollow interior.
