FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[TimS]

I've got several large, rough agates that are about 1' diameter and am considering finding someone with a saw to split / slab them. Can cutting an agate ruin its value? Is there anything I should look for or take into consideration before cutting my rough stuff? I'm very curious to see what the interior of these rocks hold but would hate to ruin them in the process. TIA for any suggestions / opinions.

[marco campos-venuti]

Cut it!
Split in two with a vertical cut.
Most of the agate have to be cut for look at them, except for some wind blasted specimens that have a nice natural exterior.
For make the job take a look here:
https://www.wymineralandgemsociety.org
(link normalized by FMF)

[James Catmur]

Just had three we found cut - one was not that great but we polished the other two. It was well worth while doing in my opinion

[TimS]

Thanks guys. James, did you get any pictures of yours?

Marco, thanks for the link to the WSMGS. I wasn't aware of the group and their website has some helpful info. None of the rock shops listed there are very close --- I'm in the NE corner of the state, but if nothing else I can check with semi-local shops around the southern SD Black Hills and try to find someone willing to help me split a few.

I'll try to add photos if anything looks interesting.