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

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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 — that is 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.

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.