Brazilian agate is a microcrystalline variety of quartz known for its distinct, high-contrast concentric banding. It typically forms within cavities in volcanic rocks and is highly sought after by lapidary artists for its excellent polishing characteristics and diverse color patterns.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralcommonQuartz family

Brazilian Agate

Hardness: 6.5-7
Luster: Waxy
Streak: White
Transparency: Translucent

Is this brazilian agate?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch brazilian agate with a known reference. Brazilian Agate sits at Mohs 6.5-7 — softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Brazilian Agate leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Brazilian Agate typically shows a waxy luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: gray, white, brown, red, orange, yellow.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: banded, nodular, massive.

Often confused with

Brazilian Agate vs. its common look-alikes — and how to tell them apart in the field.

How to tell apart: Luster reads waxy on Brazilian Agate and vitreous on Opal.

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Often found alongside brazilian agate

Minerals reported to co-occur with brazilian agate. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Chemical formula: SiO₂
Mohs hardness: 6.5-7
Density: 2.6-2.65 g/cm³
Colors: Gray White Brown Red Orange Yellow
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Banded, Nodular, Massive
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Lapidary, Decorative, Collector
Host rock: Basaltic Lava Flows
Typical price: $5-50 per slab or polished specimen

Where rockhounds find brazilian agate

Classic worldwide localities

Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Parana Basin, Brazil

Field-hunting tip

Look in basaltic lava flows country — that is the host setting where brazilian agate typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, amethyst, calcite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a banded, nodular, massive habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify brazilian agate?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a waxy luster. The streak is white. Common colors include gray, white, brown, red.

Where is brazilian agate found?+

Notable localities include Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Parana Basin, Brazil.

How much is brazilian agate worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 per slab or polished specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like brazilian agate?+

Brazilian Agate is most often confused with Chalcedony, Jasper, Opal. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with brazilian agate?+

Brazilian Agate commonly co-occurs with Quartz, Amethyst, Calcite, Goethite. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does brazilian agate form in?+

Brazilian Agate typically forms in basaltic lava flows. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is brazilian agate used for?+

Brazilian Agate is used in lapidary, decorative, collector.

Find brazilian agate on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.