Agates : Treasures of the Earth

by Pabian, Roger

• ISBN13: 9781554070985
• ISBN10: 1554070988
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-06-09
• Publisher: Firefly Books Ltd

Summary

Whether you are a seasoned expert or just beginning your collection, Agates is an indispensable resource to the rich geological and cultural significance of these beautiful stones. With wonderful color photographs of stunning agates throughout, this book includes: Illustrated guide to the different varieties of agates from around the world, Introduction to their geology and formation, Comprehensive identification guide, Uses of agates throughout the ages. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Roger Pabian is a professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A research geologist, invertebrate paleontologist and highly respected specialist in agates, he lives in Lincoln.

Roger Pabian is a professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A research geologist, invertebrate paleontologist and highly respected specialist in agates, he lives in Lincoln.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 4
Names of agates	p. 6
What is an agate?	p. 10
Properties of agates	p. 44
Sources of agates	p. 48
Europe	p. 52
Britain	p. 58
USA	p. 76
Canada	p. 108
Mexico	p. 111
South America	p. 122
Africa	p. 131
Asia	p. 138
Australia	p. 144
Lapidary	p. 150
Uses of agates through the ages	p. 158
Collecting	p. 170
Further information	p. 174
Glossary	p. 178
Index	p. 180
Acknowledgements	p. 184
Picture credits	p. 184
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

IntroductionAgates are probably the most common gemstones on Earth. They have been used to create ornaments for around 7000 years, and have been recorded on every continent and in several different geological environments. Since the mid-1900s, agate collecting has become very popular in Europe, North America and the Middle East. There are thousands of agate-producing areas on Earth, and in the following pages, you will become acquainted with a small, but representative sample of these fascinating gems.The formation of agates is of scientific interest to a range of scientists, from geologists investigating their geological significance to chemists studying the formation of chalcedony within water pipes in geothermal areas. This book is intended to present the current state of knowledge of these gems. Thus, the goal is to acquaint the novice and remind the advanced collector of the rich geological and cultural significance of these most beautiful stones, and to take the reader on a tour of the geographical distribution of agates across the world.