Comparison · Quartz Family
Agate vs Dendritic Agate
Agate and Dendritic 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 Dendritic 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 brown and gray, but Agate also comes in multicolored, blue, red, and green and Dendritic Agate also comes in white and black.
Agate vs Dendritic Agate properties
| Property | Agate | Dendritic 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 | White, Gray, Black, Brown, Translucent |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$300+ | $5–$200+ |
Which is more valuable?
Dendritic Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $30 against $25 for Agate, and premium Dendritic Agate can reach $200 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 Dendritic Agate
Dendritic Agate is a chalcedony variety with dark branching mineral inclusions that resemble trees, moss, or fern-like patterns.
Agate vs Dendritic Agate FAQ
Is Agate the same as Dendritic 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 Dendritic 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 brown and gray, but Agate also comes in multicolored, blue, red, and green and Dendritic Agate also comes in white and black.
Which is harder, Agate or Dendritic Agate?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Agate or Dendritic Agate?
Dendritic Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $30 against $25 for Agate, and premium Dendritic Agate can reach $200 or more.
