**Kentucky Agate: A Geologic Wonder**
This remarkable rock formation, known as Kentucky Agate, is a testament to Earth's ancient processes. Found exclusively within the Commonwealth's borders, it is a unique and captivating mineral treasure.
Composed of multi-layered bands of cryptocrystalline quartz and chalcedony, Kentucky Agate is renowned for its exceptional beauty. Its colors range from vibrant yellows, greens, and blues to stunning reds and browns, often forming intricate and alluring patterns. These patterns are a result of the alternating deposition of silica-rich solutions, creating a stunning geological mosaic.
The formation of Kentucky Agate dates back millions of years to the Mississippian Period. During this time, warm, shallow seas covered the region, depositing layers of limestone and shale. Over time, silica-rich fluids infiltrated these layers, filling cavities and replacing the original minerals. As the fluids cooled and crystallized, they formed the banded structure and unique coloration that characterize Kentucky Agate.
Today, Kentucky Agate is found in several counties within the Commonwealth, including Breckinridge, Hardin, and Todd. It occurs as nodules or geodes, ranging in size from small pebbles to massive boulders. The most prized specimens are those that exhibit vibrant colors and intricate patterns.
Kentucky Agate has attracted widespread attention for its beauty and geological significance. It has been designated as the official State Rock and Mineral Treasure of the Commonwealth, highlighting its importance as a symbol of Kentucky's rich geological heritage.
This extraordinary rock formation is not only visually captivating but also serves as a valuable resource for scientific study. Its unique composition and geological history provide insights into the dynamic processes that have shaped our planet over time.
Whether admired for its aesthetic beauty or valued for its scientific significance, Kentucky Agate stands as a testament to the wonders of nature and the enduring legacy of our geological past.
Among the rarest and most prized minerals, agate is one of the most exquisite examples of nature's artwork. A striking rock that occurs in various shapes and sizes, with a vivid assortment of colors, agates are coveted by collectors and becoming rarer across the globe. Although the Bluegrass State is usually overlooked in the international study of agate, some of the most beautiful and colorful specimens in the world are hidden away in the rugged terrain of eastern Kentucky's scenic Knobs Region.
Kentucky Agate is the first book to showcase the unique mineral, treasured for its fine grain and vibrant banks of deep, varied colors. Authors Roland L. McIntosh and Warren H. Anderson have collected hundreds of professional color photographs, revealing the beauty and diversity of this sought-after stone. With detailed maps of the region surrounding the city of Irvine, Kentucky, including parts of Estill, Powell, Jackson, Menifee, Madison, and Lee counties, Kentucky Agate reveals locations where agate may be found. Featuring full-color photographs showing aspects of the rock not visible to the naked eye, this book also provides detailed information on the history, geology, chemistry, and formation of the mineral, giving collectors and Kentucky nature enthusiasts a stunning look into the world of agate collection and the hidden story of the breathtaking formation of the official state rock.
Author: McIntosh, Roland L.
Author: Anderson, Warren H.
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky
Illustration: Y
Language: ENG
Title: Kentucky Agate: State Rock and Mineral Treasure of the Commonwealth
Pages: 00224 (Encrypted EPUB) / 00224 (Encrypted PDF)
On Sale: 2013-11-19
SKU-13/ISBN: 9780813142456
Lib Category: Agates - Kentucky
Category: Nature : Rocks & Minerals
Category: Science : Earth Sciences - Mineralogy
Category: Nature : Natural Resources
