Comparison · Quartz Family
Dendritic Agate vs Smoky Quartz
Dendritic Agate and Smoky Quartz 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 Smoky Quartz
- 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 Smoky Quartz is vitreous.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Dendritic Agate is translucent, Smoky Quartz is transparent.
- They overlap in gray, black, and brown, but Dendritic Agate also comes in white.
Dendritic Agate vs Smoky Quartz properties
| Property | Dendritic Agate | Smoky Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Quartz Family | Quartz Family |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 7 |
| Luster | waxy | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | translucent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.6 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | hexagonal |
| Common colors | White, Gray, Black, Brown, Translucent | Brown, Gray, Black |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$200+ | $5–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Dendritic Agate and Smoky Quartz 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 Smoky Quartz
Smoky quartz is a brown to black variety of quartz colored by natural irradiation. The national gem of Scotland, it ranges from light tan to nearly opaque black.
Dendritic Agate vs Smoky Quartz FAQ
Is Dendritic Agate the same as Smoky Quartz?
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 Smoky Quartz?
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 Smoky Quartz is vitreous. Hold a thin edge to the light: Dendritic Agate is translucent, Smoky Quartz is transparent.
Which is harder, Dendritic Agate or Smoky Quartz?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Dendritic Agate or Smoky Quartz?
Typical specimens of Dendritic Agate and Smoky Quartz trade in a similar range, around $30.
