The Lake Superior Agate is Minnesota's State Gem. It is a type of agate stained by iron and found on the shores of Lake Superior. The gemstone comes in various sizes. The gas pockets in which the agates formed were primarily small, about the size of a pea. A few Lake Superior agates weigh more than 20 pounds, about the size of a bowling ball. Such giant agates are extremely rare, but no doubt others are yet to be discovered.
The Lake Superior Agate is Minnesota's State Gem. It is a type of agate stained by iron and found on the shores of Lake Superior. The gemstone comes in various sizes. The gas pockets in which the agates formed were primarily small, about the size of a pea. A few Lake Superior agates weigh more than 20 pounds, about the size of a bowling ball. Such giant agates are extremely rare, but no doubt others are yet to be discovered.
Lake Superior Agates
Lake Superior Agates
Lake Superior Agates
Lake Superior Agates
September 8 - Lake Superior AgatesFresh out of the rock tumbler, these Lake Superior Agates display a stunning beauty that the state gemstone of Minnesota correctly recognizes.The multi-banded layers of quartz combine in an unusual display of color rarely seen in the natural world. Often, the inner beauty of agates is revealed by the wave action of Lake Superior, and the gems are found along the shores of the big lake. Often, agates are buried in gravel deposits for years until they are unearthed by an excavation and discovered by a local rockhound.The process of polishing the original agates in a rock tumbler takes many months, with the resulting stone a beauty to behold.Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Psalm 95:1Much like the agate, the true beauty of a person is sometimes only revealed after some very rough times in life.
Lake Superior Agates, the gem of the inlandd sea
January 27 – Lake Superior Agates - Gems of the NorthThese polished Lake Superior agates began as rough, unremarkable stones before spending two months in a rock tumbler. Through the harsh, repetitive action of tumbling across progressively finer grits, their hidden beauty slowly revealed itself.Designated the Minnesota State Gemstone in 1969, Lake Superior agates are prized worldwide for their durability, color, and distinctive banding. Carried and scattered by ancient glaciers, these agates form with warm reds, oranges, and browns as iron minerals oxidize—an iron-rich chemistry that gives them their signature fire.When fully polished, agates develop a glassy, almost glowing surface that brings their internal bands to life. They are valued not only for how they appear in the wild, but for the beauty revealed through patience and refinement.“The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate…” — Revelation 21:19Much like the agate, the hard tumbles of life have a way of revealing a beauty meant to endure.
Lake Superior Agates fresh out of the tumbler after two months.
