Condor Agate is a highly prized variety of banded chalcedony known for its vibrant, contrasting colors and intricate, rhythmic patterns. It is typically found as small nodules in volcanic host rocks in the Patagonia region of Argentina, where it often displays exquisite fortification banding.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Vitreous

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralcommonQuartz family

Condor Agate

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

Is this condor 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 condor agate with a known reference. Condor 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. Condor Agate leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Condor Agate typically shows a vitreous luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: red, orange, yellow, white, brown, gray.
5
Look at form & habit
Crystal system: trigonal. Typical habit: nodular.

Often confused with

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

Often found alongside condor agate

Minerals reported to co-occur with condor 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: 2.65 g/cm³
Colors: Red Orange Yellow White Brown Gray
Streak: White
Luster: Vitreous
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Nodular
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Lapidary, Collector, Decorative
Host rock: Volcanic Rocks
Typical price: $10-100 per specimen

Where rockhounds find condor agate

Classic worldwide localities

Patagonia, Argentina

Field-hunting tip

Look in volcanic rocks country — that is the host setting where condor agate typically forms. If you start seeing quartz, calcite, goethite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a nodular habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.

Common questions

How do you identify condor agate?+

Mohs hardness is 6.5-7. It typically shows a vitreous luster. The streak is white. Common colors include red, orange, yellow, white.

Where is condor agate found?+

Notable localities include Patagonia, Argentina.

How much is condor agate worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $10-100 per specimen. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What rocks look like condor agate?+

Condor Agate is most often confused with Laguna Agate, Crazy Lace Agate. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with condor agate?+

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

What kind of rock does condor agate form in?+

Condor Agate typically forms in volcanic rocks. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is condor agate used for?+

Condor Agate is used in lapidary, collector, decorative.

Find condor agate on the map

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