Agate, Jasper, and Chalcedony: What’s the Difference?

Agate? Jasper? Chalcedony? These three names are common among rock collectors, but do you know the difference? I know that I didn't! So I decided to make a video about it! It has been really fun learning about different rocks and minerals but I often got their names confused. While doing research on these minerals, I learned so much! So come along with me and learn the difference between these three minerals and why they are so cool!

I love learning about geology and these books have really helped! Here are my Amazon Affiliate links below if you'd like to check them out! :)

In summary, think of quartz at the top of an umbrella category. Chalcedony is a microcrystalline variety of quartz. Agates and jaspers are a form of chalcedony. Hope that helps and happy hunting!

#thefinders #agates #rockidentification #rockhounding

[jameshicks]

This has been very helpful! My parents collected agate but they were all somewhat clear, some very clear with deposits that formed little scenes. Usually pale blue white and cloudy. I had no idea that there were so many kinds. I walk my dog along the river rock beds and today picked up about 10 lbs of jasper, agate, chalcedony and some nice chunks of petrified wood. There is a lot of petrified wood and Jasper among the river rocks. You could spend a day picking through a few square meters and gather 10s of pounds of nice pieces.

[CaptainG]

Geologist here ; jasper and agate ARE chalcedony.

[debjohansen]

I appreciated the clarifications and similarities you mentioned. It really helped. Thank you for listing and going through the books, the resources, you use. Will be taking a look, thanks again!

[Ali_OT]

I was never a huge fan of agates until recently, when I acquired a flower agate palmstone with lots of druzy. Now I am totally in love 🥰 !

[kellyngrey]

This might be one of your older videos, but it's SO helpful!
The rock at 9:00 is exactly like the one I'm hand polishing right now.
Also, your editing skills are boss now!
💜 from South Texas

[KrisOrtego]

Superb! Great quick tips. Will rewatch w my flashlight! Glad to find this handy and informative vid. You're Greattt at this YouTube info. Perfect flow- not slow and boring monotone; glad to find another agate girl!!

[raygay]

Thanks for going through these categorational challenges. I am just beginning my journey into true rock hounding, and I’m glad to see that one of the books I am planning to get is on your list. Take care, have fun, and always stay safe. ⛏️⚒️

[ghostriderwashere]

Good vid. I just got started in the hobby. Have a huge piece of rock that I found on my farm that was just tan. After years of sitting outside by the porch I just realized it was not an ordinary rock. Lol think it’s a huge piece of chalcedony. Honey colored if you shine light through it. And this thing is HEAVY!! Thanks for the tip on the flashlight.

[stephenbahrmarbles]

Great stuff! Thank you for breaking these down!

[MrMrdave]

You have helped a lot. I live in the Rockies in Northern Alberta. I apparently have been picking up agates forever

[DRMLbyJeffrey]

Awesome Video. Thank you from Northern California. And yes every state has Geological books for each state. Smithsonian books are cool also.

[apachisa]

Thanks for introducing the very basic things about rocks to identify them .
I have so many confusions regarding their identification, now you made it so clear, great video 😊

[CarolBlaneyPhD]

This video will surely help me in my rock hunting along riverbeds etc. Thsnks so much!!

[davidscissorhands]

Omg thank you SO much for this! I live in North East Ohio and I find tons of agates, chalcedony and especially jaspers where I am specifically. Great video!

[GrandTreasureBay]

This has been incredibly helpful! I live in northern Michigan and I rarely find agates, but come across jasper and chalcedony a good deal more often. My partner has a huge chunk of chalcedony from New York and now we know it's Chalcedony because light passes through it. The only agate we have is one we found in Northwestern Lower Michigan in Leland. It's the size of a Lima bean and oddly enough it's a textbook example of a Lake Superior agate!

[cathie]

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak about the difference between the stones. I appreciate your help very much.

[davidhile]

Thank you for the detailed explanation. Now if I could only figure out how to identify Jasper from other common rocks. Great video !!!

[dennisjames]

Thank you so much for this video. Great info. I’m new to rock tumbling/rock hounding and this really helps. I’m having trouble finding a book on identifying rocks and minerals in Alabama, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to seeing your videos each week. Keep up the great work. Thanks again.

[michaeltrudell]

Keep growing the channel. You're a big help to me. I've even told some people about you.😎

[RobsNeighbor]

Awesome video with TONS of value for a newbie, so informative well-produced thank you!