Comparison · Quartz Family
Agate vs Bloodstone
Agate and Bloodstone are easy to confuse because both are quartz family. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Agate and Bloodstone
- Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Agate is translucent, Bloodstone is opaque.
- They overlap in red and green, but Agate also comes in multicolored, blue, brown, and gray.
Agate vs Bloodstone properties
| Property | Agate | Bloodstone |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Quartz Family | Quartz Family |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 7 |
| Luster | waxy | waxy |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.6 | 2.6 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Banded, Blue, Brown, Red, Green, Gray | Dark Green with Red spots |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$300+ | $5–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Agate and Bloodstone trade in a similar range, around $25.
About Agate
Agate is a banded variety of chalcedony formed in concentric layers in volcanic rocks. Each layer represents a different period of mineral deposition.
About Bloodstone
Bloodstone (heliotrope) is a dark green chalcedony with red spots of iron oxide. The red spots resemble drops of blood, giving it its name.
Agate vs Bloodstone FAQ
Is Agate the same as Bloodstone?
No. Both are quartz family, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Agate from Bloodstone?
Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Agate is translucent, Bloodstone is opaque. They overlap in red and green, but Agate also comes in multicolored, blue, brown, and gray.
Which is harder, Agate or Bloodstone?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Agate or Bloodstone?
Typical specimens of Agate and Bloodstone trade in a similar range, around $25.
