Agates: Treasures of the Earth is an indispensable resource for all those fascinated by agates, from amateur collectors to gemmologists. Agate collectors worldwide are drawn to its infinite variety of colourations and banding. Agates: Treasures of the Earth captures that enthusiasm and reveals how and where agates form, together with a comprehensive identification guide. It is both an up-to-date reference source and an accessible introduction to the life of agates. It is beautifully illustrated with full colour photographs of superb mineral specimens from around the world.
- Introduction
- Names of agates
- What is an agate?
- Properties of agates
- Sources of agates - Europe, Britain, USA, Canada, Mexico, South America, Africa, Asia, Australia
- Lapidary
- Uses of agates through the ages
- Collecting
- Further information
- Glossary
- Index
- Acknowledgement
- Picture credits
Roger Pabian is a highly respected agates specialist and palaeontologist, recently retired from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln after 35 years service. Brian Jackson is head of mineralogy at the National Museums Scotland and professor emeritus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Peter Tandy is curator of mineralogy at the Natural History Museum in London, England. John Cromartie is a collector of Scottish agates.
"Will interest both high school and public library holdings seeking books on geology and gemstones [...] Color photos throughout pack a history that is a top pick for any gemstone collector."
– Diane C. Donovan, California Bookwatch, The Midwest Book Review (07/01/2007)
"Among the many articles and books on agates available to readers, this superbly done 184-page text by one of this country leading experts on agates should be high on everyone's "must have" list."
– Bob Jones, Rock and Gem (08/01/2007)
"A revelatory look at this group of dazzling stones [...] well written and lucid. Its photos are spectacular and carefully labeled. I would recommend it to anyone who wishes to gain a better understanding of agates. It will certainly help make collecting more enjoyable and productive."
– Frances V. Belohlavy, School of Natural Resources, Great Plains Research Journal (09/01/2007)