Iris Agate
Very finely banded, highly translucent Agate. Cut in thin slabs, it exhibits spectral hues when viewed in transmitted light.
Iris Agate is one of the most valuable varieties of Chalcedony. It is often cut into unique carvings to display iridescent effect.
Iris Agate is one of the most valuable varieties of Chalcedony. It is often cut into unique carvings to display iridescent effect.
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| A variety or type of: | Agate, which is a variety of Chalcedony, which is a variety of Quartz |
| Physical Properties of Iris Agate | |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 to 7, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) |
| Specific Gravity | 2.55 to 2.70, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) |
| Optical Properties of Iris Agate | |
| Refractive Index | 1.530 to 1.543, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) |
| Optical Character | Uniaxial/+, Management Team (2012) |
| Birefringence | 0.008 to 0.010, Management Team (2012) |
| Colour | |
| Colour (General) | Iridescent, when sliced into a thin section it exhibits all the colours of the spectrum when viewed in transmitted light, Management Team (2012) |
| Transparency | Translucent, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) |
| Lustre | Waxy, Management Team (2012) |
| Crystallography of Iris Agate | |
| Crystal System | Trigonal, Management Team (2012) |
| Further Information | |
| Mineral information: | Iris Agate information at mindat.org |