moss agate

Victorian era antique Scottish agate brooch set with moss agate, jasper, banded agate & bloodstone in a hand chased sterling silver setting.
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals
Variety:  Moss Agate
Species:  Chalcedony
Mohs Hardness:  6.5 to 7 out of 10
Color:  Transparent to semi-translucent, with green, brown, or black inclusions that resemble moss
RI:  1.535 to 1.539 (1.53 or 1.54 spot reading)
Birefringence:  Usually not detectable
SR/DR/AGG:  AGG
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Generally inert
SG:  2.60 (+0.10 / -0.05)

moss agate facts

Victorian era antique Scottish agate brooch featuring moss agate, jasper, and foil-backed rock crystal set in sterling silver with hand chased details
Photo courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CM (NAJA), Global Gemology & Appraisals

Moss agate is a variety of chalcedony that is identifiable by its characteristic, moss-like inclusions.

Moss agate ranges from semitransparent to semitranslucent, with green, brown, or black moss-like inclusions.