Comparison · Quartz Family vs Silicate Minerals
Dendritic Agate vs Moss Agate
Dendritic Agate and Moss Agate are easy to confuse. 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 Moss Agate
- Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Luster is different: Dendritic Agate is waxy while Moss Agate is vitreous.
- They overlap in black and brown, but Dendritic Agate also comes in white and gray and Moss Agate also comes in clear and green.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Dendritic Agate is hexagonal, Moss Agate is trigonal.
Dendritic Agate vs Moss Agate properties
| Property | Dendritic Agate | Moss Agate |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Quartz Family | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 6.75 |
| Luster | waxy | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.6 | 2.62 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | trigonal |
| Common colors | White, Gray, Black, Brown, Translucent | Colorless, White, Green, Brown, Black |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$200+ | $5–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Dendritic Agate and Moss Agate trade in a similar range, around $30.
About Dendritic Agate
Dendritic Agate is a chalcedony variety with dark branching mineral inclusions that resemble trees, moss, or fern-like patterns.
About Moss Agate
Moss agate is a translucent chalcedony filled with green, brown, or black mineral inclusions that resemble moss or foliage. Despite the name it contains no organic material, and it is widely cut for jewelry.
Dendritic Agate vs Moss Agate FAQ
Is Dendritic Agate the same as Moss Agate?
No. Dendritic Agate is a quartz family while Moss Agate is a silicate mineral. 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 Moss Agate?
Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Luster is different: Dendritic Agate is waxy while Moss Agate is vitreous. They overlap in black and brown, but Dendritic Agate also comes in white and gray and Moss Agate also comes in clear and green.
Which is harder, Dendritic Agate or Moss Agate?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Dendritic Agate or Moss Agate?
Typical specimens of Dendritic Agate and Moss Agate trade in a similar range, around $30.
