Comparison · Quartz Family
Agate vs Jasper
Agate and 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 Jasper
- Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Luster is different: Agate is waxy while Jasper is vitreous.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Agate is translucent, Jasper is opaque.
- They overlap in multicolored, brown, red, and green, but Agate also comes in blue and gray and Jasper also comes in yellow.
Agate vs Jasper properties
| Property | Agate | Jasper |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Quartz Family | Quartz Family |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 7 |
| Luster | waxy | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | opaque |
| Specific gravity | 2.6 | 2.6 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Banded, Blue, Brown, Red, Green, Gray | Red, Yellow, Brown, Green, Multi-colored |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$300+ | $5–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $25 against $20 for 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 Jasper
Jasper is an opaque variety of chalcedony found in a wide array of colors and patterns. Each variety has unique characteristics based on its formation.
Agate vs Jasper FAQ
Is Agate the same as 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 Jasper?
Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Luster is different: Agate is waxy while Jasper is vitreous. Hold a thin edge to the light: Agate is translucent, Jasper is opaque.
Which is harder, Agate or Jasper?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Agate or Jasper?
Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $25 against $20 for Jasper, and premium Agate can reach $300 or more.
