# Agate

> Agate is a banded chalcedony (6.5-7 on Mohs); often dyed, cut into cabochons and slices, and very affordable.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/agate/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-09-14
- Updated: 2026-09-24
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/agata/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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Agate is a type of chalcedony, a microcrystalline variety of quartz, with concentric colored bands. It has been used since antiquity in cameos, seals and beads.

## Properties

- **Composition:** silicon dioxide (chalcedony)
- **Hardness:** 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
- **Color:** bands in brown, gray, white, blue, red and more; many are dyed.
- **Origins:** Brazil, Uruguay, India and Madagascar.
- **Treatments:** dyeing is very common.

## Uses in jewelry

- Cabochons, beads and cameos.
- Polished slices for pendants.
- Ethnic and studio jewelry.

## Pros and cons

### Advantages

- Very affordable and durable.
- A great variety of patterns.
- Every piece is unique.

### Limitations

- Dyed color can fade in the sun.
- It is translucent, not transparent.
- Mistaken for imitation glass.

## Care and cleaning

- Clean with lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Avoid prolonged sun if dyed.
- Do not use abrasive products.

## See also

- [Gemstones in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/gemstones-in-jewelry/)
- [Quartz and its varieties](https://www.711grados.com/en/quartz/)
- [Onyx](https://www.711grados.com/en/onyx/)