Comparison · Quartz Family
Dendritic Agate vs Fire Agate
Dendritic 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 Dendritic 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 brown, but Dendritic Agate also comes in white, gray, and black and Fire Agate also comes in orange, red, yellow, and multicolored.
Dendritic Agate vs Fire Agate properties
| Property | Dendritic 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 | White, Gray, Black, Brown, Translucent | Brown, Orange, Red, Gold, Iridescent |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$200+ | $15–$1000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Fire Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $30 for Dendritic Agate, and premium Fire Agate can reach $1000 or more.
About Dendritic Agate
Dendritic Agate is a chalcedony variety with dark branching mineral inclusions that resemble trees, moss, or fern-like patterns.
About Fire Agate
Fire Agate is an agate variety with iridescent internal color flashes, usually in warm brown, orange, red, and gold tones.
Dendritic Agate vs Fire Agate FAQ
Is Dendritic 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 Dendritic 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 brown, but Dendritic Agate also comes in white, gray, and black and Fire Agate also comes in orange, red, yellow, and multicolored.
Which is harder, Dendritic Agate or Fire Agate?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Dendritic Agate or Fire Agate?
Fire Agate is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $90 against $30 for Dendritic Agate, and premium Fire Agate can reach $1000 or more.
