Agates Inside Out

[drocknut]

I bought the book, "Agates Inside Out" by Karen Brzys (yep that's her last name) on Amazon.com.  It was fantastic.  She presents different opinions on the formation of agates as well as other information.  The photography is outstanding.  I'm not one to generally read a geology related book but this was anything but and held my limited attention...lol.  I actually read all of it unlike the Roadside Geology of Montana which puts me to sleep about the second chapter every time...lol. 

[mirkaba]

Sounds like an interesting read Diane. Dave Alt (Roadside Geology of Montana) was one of my favorite Profs. at U. of M. He also wrote the Geol 101 text book. I think my favorite lecture was on microbial erosion and soil building. He used a pile of dog poop for illustrative purposes. Did you go on the White Earth trip? I missed it again!!! I have access to a boat now so maybe later this year I will make it out there. I really want some Dead Top Agate. I have found some similar Agate up here but it is a hit and miss rock. Fractures and bug holes. Watch for Red Montana over there in the east end. I found a small red flame/plume Montana  last year and will post pictures if I can ever get a good one.

[drocknut]

It sure is an interesting read and not nearly as technical as Roadside Geology.
No, I didn't get to go on the White Earth trip.  I was shuttling trucks with my boss getting the bucket truck out here to the east.  If you decide to go I'd suggest you go while it's still cool or in the fall since it gets very hot in that area (sweated my butt off in June when the group went year before last-which is why the trip was changed to May). 
I have been hounding along the Yellowstone although it is still very high.  Got some nice pet wood and a few montana agates but wondered about the other rocks I'd seen that looked like agates but not the same colors as what's known as "montana agates".  I may have to pick some of those up now.  I thought they were agates but didn't pick them up because I was focused on Montana agates.  Wish I had a tile saw to cut into them and see if they are any good.  I did see some interesting jasper or chert looking material and what I think are concretions but don't know for sure.  They look like rounded balls or are broken in half but not made of agate or jasper.  I'll try to post pics later when the sun cooperates. 

[mirkaba]

There is a lot of Agate and Jasper other than Montana out there. Lots of Wood. A lot of colored Quartzite too. Some of the Quartzite has been traced clear back west to the Rockies. There are fossils too. Some are found in concretions. I envy you getting to work and hang out over there. I am still planning my yearly trip and have not decided exactly where to go. I would like to spend a week around Glendive and Savage. I have never seen the Agate Museum or met the Harmons. Oh well.........Enjoy!!!    Bob

[ScarlettoSara]

Loved hearing about the book Diane:)

[drocknut]

Thanks Sara.  Hope you get the chance to read it.
Mirkaba, I've seen fossils from here but haven't found any although I'm not really into fossils as much as I am into rocks.  I've never seen the agate museum either but would like to go one of these days.  My boss told me there used to be several rock shops around this area but they are now closed unfortunately.  Oh well. 

[mirkaba]

There is a Dinosaur Museum in Glendive though :)

[Ajo]

I just got the same book just a few months ago. I love it. It is so interesting and very informative. I would recommend it to anyone that is into agates. Eric.

[drocknut]

There is a Dinosaur Museum in Glendive though :)

Yes there is, actually there are two if you count the one at Makoshika State Park.  If I ever am around when they are open I'm hoping to get to see them. 

Cool, Eric, glad to hear someone else likes the book too.