Introduction
For rock collectors and recreational beach-goers, a truly incredible gemstone can be found along the shorelines of Lake Superior: the Lake Superior agate. It is an opaque, striped gemstone of yellow, orange, red, brown or black. Although these gemstones are regularly found in many other areas, the gemstones found along the Lake Superior shoreline are especially sought after for their unusually brilliant multi-colored and banded patterns. For those looking for an adventure and the thrill of discovery, agate hunting along the Lake Superior coast is a great way to spend a day outdoors, enjoying the beauty and serenity of nature.
History
The Lake Superior Agate has been a part of the area’s culture for centuries and has been a valuable resource to the people who have lived in the area. The first humans to inhabit the area were the Anishinaabeg, a group of Native Americans. Agate hunting, along with hunting and gathering, was part of their way of life. They often used the agates to create jewelry and other decorative items, as well as for spiritual and ceremonial purposes. During the 1800s, the agates became more widely recognized for their aesthetic charm and were sought after by traders, travelers, and tourists.
Where To Look
Lake Superior agates are most often found on the beach and in the surrounding area. Agates can be found in the upper half of the beach, near the water’s edge, or in the lower half of the beach, where the wave action has brought them to shore. They can also be found among the rocks and debris along the shoreline. While agates can be found along much of the Lake Superior coastline, some areas are particularly rich in agates and offer a greater likelihood of success in the hunt. The Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan and the Apostle Islands of Wisconsin are well known for their abundance of agates.
Features
People often collect agates for their unique color and appearance. From a practical point of view, the gemstones can range in size from small pebbles to large chunks. They also come in a variety of colors such as yellow, orange, red, brown, and black. As a result, no two agates are precisely alike. Lake Superior agates often feature a bicolor pattern in their center, or rind, which can be orange or yellow surrounded by a thin rim of brown or black. However, some agates may contain more exotic features such as white areas, pink or red spots, or even iridescence due to impurities in the stone.
Identification
Figuring out whether a rock is an agate is not always easy. An experienced agate collector can easily identify the gemstone, but it may not be as straightforward for a novice or someone who is just starting out. Some agates appear as nothing more than typical rocks and require a keen eye to recognize. A magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe can help with the inspection.
Using a scratch test is also recommended for distinguishing agates from non-agates. It involves rubbing the rock on a unglazed ceramic surface such as the back of a tile or a piece of unglazed porcelain. By doing this, the color and hardness of the rock will become more apparent. An agate will leave a white or gray streak, whereas a non-agate will leave a brown streak. Agates are also heavier than non-agates, another way of distinguishing the two apart.
Conclusion
The Lake Superior Agate is a unique and captivating beauty that can be discovered along the beaches of Lake Superior. Whether hunting for agates is a hobby or a passion, it is an activity that requires determination, patience and, at times, luck. For the novice hunter, taking the time to learn about the history, unique features and identification techniques of Lake Superior agates can make the search easier and more rewarding. For those who venture to the beaches of Lake Superior, the lure of discovering these beautiful rocks is an experience like no other.
Finding The Right Place
Having the knowledge of where to look for the perfect agate can make the difference between a successful or unsuccessful hunt. It’s important to consider the particular characteristics of a beach that may or may not be to one’s advantage. Factors such as the beach’s slope, wave action, underwater trench, water composition, and the presence of rocks, reefs and debris will affect the likelihood of finding an agate. For optimal success, one should look for areas with medium-sized waves, a clear and visible shoreline, and a shore that is wet with some low tide, medium to high wave activity. Areas where sand and pebbles have mixed together are especially ideal.
Seasonal Fluctuations
The Lake Superior region experiences wide temperature swings throughout the year and this has an effect on the abundance of agates found on the beach. During the colder months of fall and winter, the beach is mostly frozen and because of this, it is more difficult to find agates. As the weather warms in spring and summertime, waves are more abundant and agates can be found in greater numbers. That being said, agates can be found throughout the year and a successful hunt is highly dependent on one’s ability to look for tell-tale signs of agates, and to go out during the most optimal weather conditions.
Accessing More Remote Areas
While agates can be found on the shorelines of Lake Superior, those who are looking for a more remote hunting adventure and a greater likelihood of finding agates may want to venture beyond the coastlines. This can be accomplished in various ways, such as kayaking, paddling a canoe, or exploring by foot. While such an excursion can be adventurous and can open a person to a new area of potential agates, it is important to be aware of any safety risks and to take all the necessary equipment and preparations to ensure a safe and successful approach.
Agate Valuation
Once a person has finally located an agate, the next step is to evaluate it. The value of any Lake Superior agate is largely dependent on its color and size. Gem hunters can either determine the value themselves by closely examining the agate and by assessing its rarity, or they can take it to a jeweler or gemologist for a more comprehensive appraisal.
Cleaning & Displaying Agates
Before displaying agates, they must be properly cleaned. It is recommended that specialized products be used for this process. Non-specialized products, such as window cleaner, could damage or even destroy the stone. After the agate has been cleansed, it can be showcased by itself in a display case or included in a rock collection. In addition to displaying agates, they can also be crafted into jewelry which creates a unique way of wearing and admiring these special gems.
