How much are Fairburn agates worth?

The Fairburn agate is named for the town of Fairburn. Agates may not show their unique beauty until they are split, like this one. The gems can easily be worth upwards of $1,000, depending on their size, shape and color, according to collector Woodden.

How do you identify a Fairburn Agate?

In addition to identifying the Fairburn Agates by their distinct colors, one can also identify them by their unique parallel banding. Select pieces will show tight banding and nice coloration. When searching among other rocks Fairburn agates can also be identified by their smooth, exterior texture.

Where are the agate beds in South Dakota?

South Dakota is known in the rock hounding world for Fairburn agates, which are among the most elusive stones on earth. They are found in only a few spots in southwestern South Dakota, chiefly in agate beds near Fairburn in Custer County (hence the name). Geologists are still unsure how they form.

Where are agates in the Black Hills?

In general, the best places to find agates in South Dakota are in the Black Hills in the southwestern part of the state, particularly in Custer County. The famed Fairfield agates are most commonly found in the agate beds to the east of Fairburn but are also found from Rapid City all the way into Nebraska.

What is the most valuable agate?

Dendritic Agate It is considered to be the most valuable form of agate. Dendritic agate is associated with the ancient dryads of Greece.

Is Fairburn agate rare?

Fairburn Agates are considered rare Agates as they have become very desirable for their color and banding variations.

What is Iris agate?

Iris agate is agate whose thin section shows spectral colors when viewed in transmitted light. These colors are not thin-film colors such as those of precious opal. Specimens of iris agate were observed in 1933 by Fred S. Young,1,2 then publisher of the Oregon Mineralogist, during the preparation of cabochons.

What is a Dryhead agate?

Dryhead Agate is a nodular banded agate formed in sedimentary rock from Montana. The book, “Dryhead Agate: An Inside Look at the History, Mining, and Natural Beauty of Agates”, provides good background on this beautiful rock.

Are there agates in the Badlands?

The widespread badlands of western South Dakota offer the rockhound thousands of acres of interesting collection for a wide spectrum of colorful gem materials. Most sought after is the brightly patterned fairburn agate, an elusive and distinctive agate, the official State Gem of South Dakota.

How do you find agates?

Agates can be found on the beaches of oceans and lakes, along road cuts, and in areas with exposed gravel. In the U.S., agates are most commonly found along the shores of the Great Lakes, the beaches of the Pacific Coast, and in the deserts of many western states.

Where can I find agates?

Where is the Oglala National Grassland?

The Oglala National Grassland is a United States National Grassland in the northwest corner of Nebraska. It is in northern Sioux and northwestern Dawes counties, on the borders with South Dakota and Wyoming.

Where can you find the Oglala stone in North Dakota?

If you’re on the hunt you might want to check areas around the Oglala National Grasslands found in the northwestern region of the state. Surprisingly, this incredible stone is non-native.

Can you collect rocks in the Oglala National Grassland?

The Oglala National Grassland and surrounding area is a virtual paradise for those interested in rocks, minerals, gemstones and fossils. Those who collect these treasures are often called rockhounds. Rockhounding is allowed anywhere on the National Grasslands, with some restrictions. Collecting on private land requires permission from the owner.

Where to hunt agate beds in South Dakota?

Grassland Agate Beds in South Dakota. One of the best places to hunt is in the Buffalo Gap Grasslands of South Dakota and the Oglala National Grasslands of Nebraska.