Comparison · Quartz Family
Agate vs Dalmatian Jasper
Agate and Dalmatian Jasper 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 Dalmatian Jasper
- 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, Dalmatian Jasper is opaque.
- They overlap in brown, but Agate also comes in multicolored, blue, red, green, and gray and Dalmatian Jasper also comes in white and black.
Agate vs Dalmatian Jasper properties
| Property | Agate | Dalmatian Jasper |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Cream, White, Black, Tan |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$300+ | $3–$80+ |
Which is more valuable?
Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $25 against $15 for Dalmatian Jasper, and premium Agate can reach $300 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 Dalmatian Jasper
Dalmatian Jasper, also called Dalmatian stone, is a cream to tan spotted lapidary material commonly sold under the jasper trade name.
Agate vs Dalmatian Jasper FAQ
Is Agate the same as Dalmatian Jasper?
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 Dalmatian Jasper?
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, Dalmatian Jasper is opaque. They overlap in brown, but Agate also comes in multicolored, blue, red, green, and gray and Dalmatian Jasper also comes in white and black.
Which is harder, Agate or Dalmatian Jasper?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Agate or Dalmatian Jasper?
Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $25 against $15 for Dalmatian Jasper, and premium Agate can reach $300 or more.
