Bubblegum Agate is a variety of botryoidal chalcedony characterized by its distinct, often soft pink to bubblegum-colored spherical structures. It is highly sought after by lapidary enthusiasts for cutting into cabochons due to its attractive patterns and pastel coloration.
Is this bubblegum agate?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch bubblegum agate with a known reference. Bubblegum Agate sits at Mohs 6.5-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Bubblegum Agate leaves a white streak.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Bubblegum Agate typically shows a waxy luster.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: pink, white, translucent-pink.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: botryoidal.
Often confused with
Bubblegum Agate vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside bubblegum agate
Minerals reported to co-occur with bubblegum 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
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Waxy
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Trigonal
- Crystal habit
- Botryoidal
- Cleavage
- None
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Lapidary, Collector, Decorative
- Host rock
- Volcanic Cavities
- Typical price
- $5-30 per slab, $20-100 for finished cabochons
Where rockhounds find bubblegum agate
Classic worldwide localities
- Oregon, USA
- Washington, USA
- Mexico
Field-hunting tip
Look in volcanic cavities country, the host setting where bubblegum agate typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, zeolites in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a botryoidal habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify bubblegum agate?+
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How much is bubblegum agate worth?+
What rocks look like bubblegum agate?+
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Find bubblegum agate on the map
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