Silver pendant made from moss agate

Moss agate is a fascinating and visually attractive variety of chalcedony, a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. Unlike typical agates, it lacks concentric banding and instead features characteristic dendritic inclusions that resemble moss, fern leaves, or tree branches. These patterns are not of organic origin – they are formed by iron and manganese oxides that spread throughout the stone during its formation. Moss agates typically appear translucent to milky white with inclusions in shades of green, brown, black, or red.

Moss agate has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7, similar to that of regular quartz. It usually has a waxy to matte luster and is translucent to semi-transparent. Its durability and striking patterns make it popular in jewelry and as a collector’s mineral.

Moss agate is found in many parts of the world. Major sources include:

• India
• Brazil
• USA – especially Montana, Oregon, and Idaho
• Madagascar
• Russia

These regions produce high-quality moss agates with distinctive dendritic formations, prized both for their aesthetic appeal and metaphysical uses.