Crystalopedia · Stone guide
Agate Types Explained
Botswana, Blue Lace, Druzy and Black Agate
In this guide
Agate is a natural stone made of very fine quartz, usually with curved bands of colour. It has been carved and worn for thousands of years, and Khambhat in Gujarat has been one of the world's great agate-working centres for centuries. This guide explains the agate types we sell.
At a glance · Is this stone for you?
Agate at a glance
- 〰️ Natural curved bands
- 💪 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale
- 💧 Safe in water
- 🇮🇳 Worked in Khambhat for centuries
- 🎨 Many colours, some dyed
- 🌍 Found worldwide
| What it is | Banded chalcedony (very fine-grained quartz) |
|---|---|
| Hardness | 6.5–7 on the Mohs scale |
| Water | Safe to rinse and wash |
| Treatments | Bright blue, pink, green and pure black agate is often dyed |
| Indian name | Hakik |
Let's start simple
What is agate?
Agate forms when silica-rich water fills holes in rock and slowly hardens, layer by layer. Each layer can be a slightly different colour, which creates the bands. Some agates also have small sparkling crystals in the middle; these are called druzy.
Every band is a layer of time.
The types we sell
Which agate type is which?
🩶 Botswana agate
Fine grey, pink and brown bands from Botswana. Traditionally a calm, comforting stone.
🩵 Blue lace agate
Pale blue with soft white lace-like bands. Linked with the throat chakra and calm speaking.
✨ Druzy agate
Agate with a layer of tiny sparkling quartz crystals.
🖤 Black agate
Used for protection and grounding. Pure, even black agate is usually dyed.
🔵 Blue agate
Often dyed; see our blue agate guide.
🌿 Moss agate
Plant-like patterns instead of bands; see our moss agate guide.
For absolute beginners
How do I choose agate?
〰️ Look at the bands
Fine, even bands are prized.
🎨 Check the colour
Soft, earthy colours are natural; very bright colours are usually dyed.
🔦 Hold to light
Translucent agate glows when light passes through.
💬 Ask us
We tell you plainly when an agate is dyed.
Care
How do you clean and care for agate?
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Rinse in water
Lukewarm water and a soft cloth.
-
Dyed pieces: be gentle
Avoid long soaking and strong sun so the dye does not fade.
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Druzy: no scrubbing
Use a soft brush so the tiny crystals do not break.
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Store apart
Keep away from harder stones.
Agate myths, cleared up
Myth: 'Dyed agate is fake.'
Dyed agate is still real agate; only the colour is added. It should simply be sold as dyed.
Myth: 'All agate has bands.'
Moss agate and some others have patterns instead of bands.
Myth: 'Blue lace agate is always bright blue.'
Natural blue lace agate is pale, soft blue.
Agate: questions people ask
What is agate good for?
Traditionally agate is a calming, grounding and protective stone. These are traditional beliefs, not proven effects.
What is agate called in Hindi?
Agate is called hakik. Black-and-white banded agate is known as sulemani hakik.
Is agate a type of quartz?
Yes. Agate is chalcedony, a very fine-grained form of quartz.
How do I know if agate is dyed?
Very bright or unnatural colours, and colour that collects in cracks, usually mean dye.
What is blue lace agate used for?
It is traditionally linked with calm communication and the throat chakra.
Can agate go in water?
Yes, agate is safe to rinse. Dyed pieces should not soak for long.
Crystal meanings shared here are traditional beliefs, not medical advice.
Explore our agates
Bracelets, carvings and pieces in Botswana, blue lace, druzy and black agate.
Shop agate
