An Interactive Guide to the Silica Family
Explore the fascinating differences and relationships between Agate, Chalcedony, and Amethyst—three beautiful varieties of quartz.
The Silica Family Tree
All three minerals share the same chemical foundation (SiO₂), but their structures create distinct identities. Click on each box to learn more about its place in the hierarchy.
Quartz (SiO₂)
The Parent Mineral
Chalcedony
Cryptocrystalline Form
Agate
Banded Chalcedony
Amethyst
Macrocrystalline Form
Comparative Analysis
The most fundamental difference is crystal size. Chalcedony and Agate are cryptocrystalline (microscopic crystals), while Amethyst is macrocrystalline (visible crystals). This affects their appearance, from waxy lusters to glassy transparency.