1. Agates!!!

2. How are Agates Formed? Agates developed in ancient volcanic lava more than 1 billion years ago. Within the lava, there were pockets of trapped gases – called vesicles. Later, groundwater carrying ferric iron, quartz, and other dissolved minerals passed through the trapped gas vesicles. These quartz- rich groundwater solutions crystallized into concentric bands of fine-grained quartz called chalcedony. Over the next billion years, some of these quartz-filled, banded vesicles -- agates -- were freed by running water and chemical disintegration of the lavas, since these vesicles were now harder than the lava rocks that contained them.

3. Lake Superior Agate MN State Gemstone When glaciers advanced and retreated through the Lake Superior basin, they spread Lake Superior agates wherever they went. The most common type is a fortification agate with its eye-catching patterns, usually red and white. The Lake Superior agate differs from other agates found around the world in its rich red, orange, and yellow coloring. This color scheme is caused by the oxidation of iron.

4. Where to Find the Lake Superior Agate? The primary area of Lake Superior agate distribution:

5. Moose Lake State Park http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/destinations/state_parks/virtual_tours/mooselake/moose_lake_tour.html Virtual Tour – Agate Center Features an exhibition hall that showcases Minnesota's gemstone, the Lake Superior Agate. Interpretive displays focus on rocks, minerals and geology of Minnesota.

6. Agate Days Festival, Moose Lake MN Agate Stampede – Agates and Quarters! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_PPAdVG72A Agate Days – Agate Stampede Video Clip

7. Types of Agates Thousands of types Named after how they formed or the location in which they occur 1. Water Line Agate - The silica crystallization is controlled by gravity in one orientation. 2. Geode Agate – The supply of silica-rich water can run out before the entire cavity/vesicle fills in. 3. Eye Agates – Forms when most of the silica gel drains from the cavity, leaving only a droplet which crystallizes Into an ‘eye’.

8. What are Agates Worth? eBay Agate Auctions Buy It Now $299.00 Time left: 28d 4h 37m Buy It Now $1,189.00 Time left: 26d 18h 47m 0 bids $125.00 Buy It Now $185.00 Time left: 2d 15h 26m