Eye Agate
A variety of Agate
What is Eye Agate?
Eye Agate is the umbrella term for any Agate stone that features one or several eye-like markings. Agate stones are known for their colorful bands. Sometimes, these bands are arranged circularly and extend into the stone, resembling eyes when observed from different angles. Eye Agate is often used with jewelry.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.530-1.543
- Birefringence
- 0.004
- Pleochroism
- None
- Optical Character
- Biaxial positive
- Dispersion
- 0.013
Discover Values
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Eye Agate before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Where to Find Eye Agate
Eye Agate is a variety of Agate. RockHoundR, the free-to-download rockhounding map from the Ruby Glint team, shows where collectors find agate in the US, with land-access notes for BLM land and national forests. Collecting is banned in national parks.
See where to find agateAlways check the local rules and get the landowner's permission before you collect.
Health & Safety Information
- ⚠️Eye Agate in powdered form can be toxic due to its Crystalline Silica content.
- ⚠️Quartz, silica, crystalline silica and flint are non-toxic materials, but very fine dust containing quartz, known as respirable crystalline silicon (RCS), can cause serious and fatal lung disease. Lapidaries should exercise caution when cutting silica.
- ⚠️Eye Agate is typically non-toxic unless it's in powder form. Long-term exposure to finely ground powder may lead to silicosis. Therefore, when cutting or polishing eye Agate, be sure to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling its dust.
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Various colors
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6.5 - 7
- Rock tumbling
- Tumbles well
- Density
- 2.55 - 2.7 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Waxy, Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Trigonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- SiO2
- Elements
- O, Si
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Eye Agate FAQs
How do I identify Eye Agate?
Eye Agate can be identified by its hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale, Various colors color, Waxy, Vitreous luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Eye Agate?
Eye Agate typically appears in Various colors. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Eye Agate?
Eye Agate has a hardness of 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
