Comparison · Quartz Family
Agate vs Fire Agate
Agate and Fire 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 Fire 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 multicolored, brown, and red, but Agate also comes in blue, green, and gray and Fire Agate also comes in orange and yellow.
Agate vs Fire Agate properties
| Property | Agate | Fire 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 | Brown, Orange, Red, Gold, Iridescent |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$300+ | $15–$1000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Fire Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $25 for Agate, and premium Fire Agate can reach $1000 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 Fire Agate
Fire Agate is an agate variety with iridescent internal color flashes, usually in warm brown, orange, red, and gold tones.
Agate vs Fire Agate FAQ
Is Agate the same as Fire 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 Fire 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 multicolored, brown, and red, but Agate also comes in blue, green, and gray and Fire Agate also comes in orange and yellow.
Which is harder, Agate or Fire Agate?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Agate or Fire Agate?
Fire Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $25 for Agate, and premium Fire Agate can reach $1000 or more.
