AllMineralsRock
Agate Vs. Jasper
Agate is a very popular gemstone composed of silicon dioxide.[1] Jasper is also a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is also silicon dioxide.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Agate and Jasper
For a quick recap of the differences agate and jasper:- While both agate and jasper can be opaque, agate can be translucent or transparent.
- While both agate and jasper can be hexagonal, in terms of crystallography, agate can be trigonal.
- While both agate and jasper can be vitreous or waxy, in terms of luster, agate can be greasy and jasper can be dull.
- While both agate and jasper can be commonly red, agate is often white.
Quick Facts on Similarities of Agate and Jasper
The similarities of agate and jasper include:- For chemical formulas, agate and jasper both are SiO2.
- Agate and jasper both streak white.
- Agate's rarity is similar to jasper.
- Agate's hardness is similar to jasper - they both range from 6.5 to 7 on the Moh's scale.
- Agate's specific gravity overlaps with jasper - agate ranges from 2.6 to 2.64 and jasper ranges from 2.55 to 2.91.
Summary of Agate
Agate is a mineral that belongs to the quartz family. It is typically found in volcanic rocks and is characterized by its banded appearance, which is caused by the deposition of different minerals in layers. The mineral is identified by its hardness, which ranges from 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, and its translucent to opaque appearance. While agate is typically associated with shades of brown and gray, it can also be found in a variety of colors, including blue, green, pink, purple, and red.Summary of Jasper
Jasper is a type of mineral that is commonly found in sedimentary rocks, and is usually formed through the deposition of silica-rich sediments. It is a beautiful and unique mineral that comes in a variety of colors, including red, brown, yellow, green, and blue. Jasper is often used in jewelry making, as well as for decorative purposes in home decor and landscaping.Table Comparison of Agate vs Jasper
| Agate (src) | Jasper (src) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque | opaque |
| Chemical Formula | SiO2 | SiO2 |
| Chemical Composition | silicon dioxide | silicon dioxide |
| Specific Gravity | 2.6, 2.64 | 2.55, 2.91 |
| Hardness | 6.5, 7 | 6.5, 7 |
| Streak | white | white |
| Crystallography | hexagonal, trigonal | hexagonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.53, 1.543 | 1.54, 1.553 |
| Hydrous | No | No |
| Colors | common: red, white sometimes: blue, gray, pink, black, brown, green, banded, orange, purple, yellow, multicolor |
common: red sometimes: yellow less common: blue, gray, black, brown, green, white, orange, band, multicolor |
| Category | chalcedony | chalcedony |
| Fracture | conchoidal, uneven | conchoidal |