Gemstone profile and identification guide
Dendritic Agate
Dendritic agate is chalcedony containing tree-like manganese or iron dendritic inclusions.
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Overview
Dendritic agate is chalcedony containing tree-like manganese or iron dendritic inclusions.
Did you know? Dendrites are inorganic mineral growth patterns, not fossilized plants.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Dendritic Agate
Scientific classification: Silicate (Chalcedony Quartz Variety)
Hardness: 7 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: waxy
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Primary colour: White
Secondary colour: Black Dendrites
Colour family: Whites & Neutrals
Branching inclusion patterns in translucent chalcedony are the key defining feature.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7 Mohs
Chemical composition: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with manganese/iron dendritic inclusions
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Common locations: India, Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, United States
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
White to grey chalcedony hosting branch-like black or brown dendritic inclusions.
Optical effects: Dendritic Pattern
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Quartz (chalcedony dendritic variety)
Mineral group: Quartz group
Chemical formula: Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with manganese/iron dendritic inclusions
Mohs hardness: 7
Crystal system: Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)
Lustre: waxy
Transparency: translucent
Streak: White
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal
Specific gravity: 2.58-2.64
Refractive index: 1.53-1.54
Optical phenomena: Dendritic patterning
Colour range: White/grey base with black or brown dendrites
Common inclusions: Manganese oxide dendrites, iron oxide dendrites
Geological environment: Silica-rich cavity and fracture infill settings
Principal mining regions: India, Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, United States
Important commercial sources: Commercial dendritic agate is sourced from multiple regions, commonly India and Brazil
Historical significance: A classic scenic gemstone in lapidary art.
Common treatments: Generally untreated; dyeing may occur in low-grade material.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Printed composites and dyed stones can imitate dendritic look.
Common look-alikes: Dendritic opal, painted/imitation scenic stones
Jewellery uses: Used in cabochons, scenic cuts, and collector display slabs.
Care recommendations: Good quartz durability; avoid severe impact on thin slices or carvings.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Dendritic Agate.
Formation
Forms when manganese/iron-rich fluids infiltrate microfractures in silica-rich chalcedony during growth.
Origin
Commercial dendritic agate is sourced from multiple regions, commonly India and Brazil
Uses
Best for: Used in cabochons, scenic cuts, and collector display slabs.
Ideal uses: Pattern-oriented cabochons and scenic jewellery cuts.
Care
Good quartz durability; avoid severe impact on thin slices or carvings.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Gemstones from the same mineral family
Commonly confused gemstones
Dendritic Agate FAQ
How can I identify Dendritic Agate?
Compare hardness (7 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal (microcrystalline aggregate)), colour profile, and lustre (waxy) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Dendritic Agate appear in?
White to grey chalcedony hosting branch-like black or brown dendritic inclusions.
Where is Dendritic Agate commonly used?
Pattern-oriented cabochons and scenic jewellery cuts.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 03 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 03 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 03 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 03 factual verification pass.