Comparison · Quartz Family
Blue Lace Agate vs Dendritic Agate
Blue Lace 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 Blue Lace 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 white and gray, but Blue Lace Agate also comes in blue and Dendritic Agate also comes in black and brown.
Blue Lace Agate vs Dendritic Agate properties
| Property | Blue Lace 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 | Pale Blue, White, Blue, Gray | White, Gray, Black, Brown, Translucent |
| Rarity | uncommon | common |
| Typical specimen value | $8–$250+ | $5–$200+ |
Which is more valuable?
Blue Lace Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $35 against $30 for Dendritic Agate, and premium Blue Lace Agate can reach $250 or more.
About Blue Lace Agate
Blue Lace Agate is a pale blue and white banded chalcedony variety valued for soft lace-like banding.
About Dendritic Agate
Dendritic Agate is a chalcedony variety with dark branching mineral inclusions that resemble trees, moss, or fern-like patterns.
Blue Lace Agate vs Dendritic Agate FAQ
Is Blue Lace 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 Blue Lace 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 white and gray, but Blue Lace Agate also comes in blue and Dendritic Agate also comes in black and brown.
Which is harder, Blue Lace Agate or Dendritic Agate?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Blue Lace Agate or Dendritic Agate?
Blue Lace Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $35 against $30 for Dendritic Agate, and premium Blue Lace Agate can reach $250 or more.
