FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Thomps]

Can anyone give me a lesson on agates 101? I love agates and lately I've been really into agate picking. However, I have a hard time deciphering them from other rocks and minerals. I know they have a waxy feel, transparent like, and some have bands. But aren't there other kinds because the usual red banded agates? I live near Lake Superior and am really hoping to find some good agates but I want to make sure I am able to identify them properly!
Thanks

[GneissWare]

I know next to nothing about agates. However if you google "lake superior agate" there are many photos and articles about them. I also remember seeing a nicely illustrated book a few years ago.

[Tracy]

I walked the shores of Lake Superior many many years ago and came away with a handful of small agates. The determinants for me were the presence of bands and, if thin/small enough, some translucency. As far as I know Lake Superior agates run from pale brown-orange to red, with the red ones being most sought-after.

I also bought a golf-ball sized agate at a store in Duluth. Alas, it isn't red.

- Tracy

[Jordi Fabre]

I recommend this great thread from George (bugrock) about the nodules from Michigan: Wolverine Mine #2, Houghton County, Michigan

[Joseph DOliveira]

I've always been told that a rainy day is the best time to collect agates on the shores of Lake Superior. When the shore pebbles are wet , it is easier to make out the ones with the banding.

That is the extent of my knowledge on Superior agates, I will also disclose that I have never collected there either.

[Thomps]

Thanks! All really helpful ideas. Any suggestions on where to look for them on Lake Superior? I'm assuming up north more by two harbors.

[bugrock]

Although Lake Superior agates can be found on the beaches of Lake Superior they also occur in situ in certain basalt outcrops both on land and under the lake. Actually most Lake Superior agates you see for sale were found in gravel quarries in Minnesota and to lesser extent nearby states. The glaciers extracted large numbers from basalt and moved them south along with abundant glacial gravel. I'm told they can be found as far south as Louisiana as a result of glacial action and movement down the Mississippi River system.

Highly recommend the following book published in 2011. First found it in shops in northern Michigan were it was offered for $20. The largest online book seller now offers it for less. It is a steal, cannot understand how it can be offered in hardcover for such a low price. The book supplies many details regarding agate formation, deposits, varieties, inclusions etc. At the price even those casually interested can afford a copy.

Agates of Lake Superior: Stunning Varieties and How They Are Formed [Hardcover]
Bob Lynch (Author), Dan R. Lynch


In July there will be a special 4 day event in the Minneapolis, Minnesota area dealing with agates on a world scale. There will be talks, a show with many dealers and a banquet. Likely an abundance of Lake Superior agates ("Lakers" for short) will be on offer.

Search for " A Celebration of Agates" on the internet:


The Minnesota Mineral Club is proud to host the

"A Celebration of Agates"

July 26 - 29, 2012
Lindbergh Center at
Hopkins High School

Thursday, July 26: Seminars - 8 am to 5 pm
(preregistration required for seminar attendance)

Friday, July 27: Show - noon to 7 pm

Saturday, July 28: Show - 9 am to 5 pm

Sunday, July 29: Show - 10 am to 4 pm


Hope to see other Forum participants there in July.


George

[Riccardo Modanesi]

Hi to everybody!
Last year I was in Poland together with the Mindat members from all over the world, we all collected agates from the deposits located close to Lwowek Slaski (Tomek, do you remember?). I would be so curious to see some of the Lake Superior agates, two years ago I saw the Argentinian ones, they are very beautiful!
Greetings from Italy by Riccardo.

[liza]

I've consistently been told that a backing day is the best time to aggregate agates on the shores of Lake Superior. When the bank dust are wet , it is easier to accomplish out the ones with the banding. That is the admeasurement of my ability on Superior agates, I will additionally acknowledge that I accept never calm there either.