Moss Agate
Green moss (moss-like or dendritic inclusions) is caused by chlorite, red or black moss by iron or manganese oxides, and yellow or white moss by clay minerals.
The beautiful luster of Moss Agate
Basic Information
| English Name | Moss Agate |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | Koke-meno |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ |
| Classification | Hexagonal (cryptocrystalline) |
| Hardness | 6.5–7 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.6 |
Characteristics & Varieties
- Red Moss Agate: Chalcedony where the base color appears red due to iron oxide content
- Moss Jasper: Less transparent than the standard variety
Origins, Aliases, Treatments, & Similar Stones
Treatment: Heat treatment, dyeing, and inclusion-creating treatments may be performed
Similar Stones: Moss Opalite: Common opal (opal without a play-of-color) that exhibits moss-like patterns.
Moss Quartz: Clear quartz containing moss-like inclusions.