Comparison · Quartz Family
Agate vs Blue Lace Agate
Agate and Blue Lace Agate 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 Blue Lace Agate
- Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- They overlap in blue and gray, but Agate also comes in multicolored, brown, red, and green and Blue Lace Agate also comes in white.
Agate vs Blue Lace Agate properties
| Property | Agate | Blue Lace Agate |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Quartz Family | Quartz Family |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 7 |
| Luster | waxy | waxy |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.6 | 2.6 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Banded, Blue, Brown, Red, Green, Gray | Pale Blue, White, Blue, Gray |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$300+ | $8–$250+ |
Which is more valuable?
Blue Lace Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $35 against $25 for Agate, and premium Blue Lace Agate can reach $250 or more.
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 Blue Lace Agate
Blue Lace Agate is a pale blue and white banded chalcedony variety valued for soft lace-like banding.
Agate vs Blue Lace Agate FAQ
Is Agate the same as Blue Lace Agate?
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 Blue Lace Agate?
Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. They overlap in blue and gray, but Agate also comes in multicolored, brown, red, and green and Blue Lace Agate also comes in white.
Which is harder, Agate or Blue Lace Agate?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Agate or Blue Lace Agate?
Blue Lace Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $35 against $25 for Agate, and premium Blue Lace Agate can reach $250 or more.
