Snakeskin Agate
A variety of Chalcedony
What is Snakeskin Agate?
Snakeskin Agate is the commercial and trade name for semi-translucent agate that exhibits interesting patterns that resemble a snake's skin. That serpentine quality explains the name Snakeskin Agate. The material can be nicely polished and is commonly sold tumbled, although it's also cut into beads or carved into various objects, such as hearts.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.530-1.543
- Birefringence
- 0.003-0.009
- Pleochroism
- None
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
- Dispersion
- 0.013
Discover Values
This stone excels in beauty, collection value.
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Snakeskin Agate before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Snakeskin Agate Localities Map
See where Snakeskin Agate is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Snakeskin Agate in powdered form can be toxic due to its Crystalline Silica content.
- ⚠️Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials, but very fine dust containing quartz, known as respirable crystalline silicon (RCS), can cause serious and fatal lung disease. Lapidaries should exercise caution when cutting silica.
- ⚠️Snakeskin Agate is typically non-toxic unless it's in powder form. Long-term exposure to finely ground powder may lead to silicosis. Therefore, when cutting or polishing snakeskin Agate, be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling its dust.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Various colors, often brown, gray, white
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5 - 7
- Density
- 2.55 - 2.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Waxy, Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2
- Elements
- Si, O
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Snakeskin Agate FAQs
How do I identify Snakeskin Agate?
Snakeskin Agate can be identified by its hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Various colors color, Waxy, Vitreous luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Snakeskin Agate?
Snakeskin Agate typically appears in Various colors, often brown, gray, white. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Snakeskin Agate?
Snakeskin Agate has a hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.