Moss Agate is a form of chalcedony (a variety of microcrystalline quartz). It occurs in nodular masses in rocks such as volcanic lavas. It (or mocha stone) is translucent and colorless, white or grey, with dark, moss- or tree-like (dendritic) inclusions. The stone is usually cut as thin slabs, or polished ornaments, brooches, or pendants. The moss agate rough stone has moss-like inclusions. It comes with quartz crystals in the host rock. Some moss agate has dendritic-like inclusions.
Occurrence
The most popular area for a moss agate is Idar-Oberstein in Germany. There, the moss agate has been collected since 1548. It now imports moss agate from the huge deposits in Brazil and Uruguay. Moss agate also occurs in Pakistan, China, India, and the USA.
Moss Agate Properties
- Specific Gravity: 2.61
- Refractive Index: 1.53-1.54
- Birefringence (DR): 0.004
- Luster: Vitreous
- Crystal Structure: Trigonal
- Composition: Silicon dioxide
- Hardness: 7
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