Tansparent Agate

Transparent agate is a variety of agate — a banded form of chalcedony (microcrystalline quartz) — in which the material is sufficiently pure and fine-grained that light passes through it.

Al Haouz (Marrakech area) sits on the High Atlas foothills where volcanic and hydrothermal activity produced silica-rich fluids that filled cavities in igneous and metamorphic host rocks. Agates from this region commonly form in vesicles and veins within basaltic flows or related tuffs; transparent material results where silica deposition was clean, fine-grained, and free of abundant inclusions. 

Agate specimen From Al Haouz Province, Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz Region, Morocco. Photo: Spiriferminerals

Appearance & characteristics: Moroccan Al Haouz transparent agate is typically:

• Clear to translucent with delicate banding or subtle color zoning.
• Colors: often near-colorless to pale blue, green, yellow, or brown; some pieces are heat- or dye-treated commercially.
• Luster: waxy to vitreous; hardness ~6.5–7 Mohs.
• Features: occasional moss/epidote or iron staining in parts; fine concentric bands are common.

Notable local varieties/uses: Sold as slices, thin backlit slabs, cabochons, beads, and decorative items. Transparent slices are popular for lampwork, inlay, and backlit display panels.