Snakeskin Agate is characterized by a distinctive, intricate surface pattern resembling reptile scales, caused by dehydration and contraction of the silica gel. It is a form of microcrystalline quartz typically found as nodules or cavity linings in volcanic or sedimentary environments. Collectors value it for its unique texture, which takes a high polish during lapidary work.

Hardness

6.5-7

Mohs

Luster

Waxy

Streak

White

Transparency

Translucent

mineralcommonQuartz family

Snakeskin Agate

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

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

Often confused with

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

How to tell apart: Luster reads waxy on Snakeskin Agate and vitreous on Opalite.

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Often found alongside snakeskin agate

Minerals reported to co-occur with snakeskin 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: White Gray Tan Yellow Brown
Streak: White
Luster: Waxy
Transparency: Translucent
Crystal system: Trigonal
Crystal habit: Botryoidal
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Lapidary, Collector, Decorative
Host rock: Sedimentary Cavities
Typical price: $5-50 for slabs or polished cabochons

Where rockhounds find snakeskin agate

Classic worldwide localities

Wyoming, USA
Oregon, USA
California, USA

Field-hunting tip

Look in sedimentary cavities country, the host setting where snakeskin 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.

More snakeskin agate photos

Common questions

How do you identify snakeskin agate?+

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

Where is snakeskin agate found?+

Notable localities include Wyoming, USA; Oregon, USA; California, USA.

How much is snakeskin agate worth?+

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

What rocks look like snakeskin agate?+

Snakeskin Agate is most often confused with Chalcedony, Flint Nodules, Opalite. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.

What minerals are found with snakeskin agate?+

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

What kind of rock does snakeskin agate form in?+

Snakeskin Agate typically forms in sedimentary cavities. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is snakeskin agate used for?+

Snakeskin Agate is used in lapidary, collector, decorative.

Find snakeskin agate on the map

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