Kentucky Agate: State Rock and Mineral Treasure of the Commonwealth

By Roland L. McIntosh and Warren H. Anderson

This informative and fully illustrated volume explores the untold story of agate gemstones hidden in Kentucky’s scenic Knobs Region.

With their fine grain and rich assortment of colors, agate stones are coveted by collectors and becoming rarer across the globe. Some of the most beautiful specimens in the world have been found in the rugged terrain of eastern Kentucky. In Kentucky Agate, authors Roland L. McIntosh and Warren H. Anderson reveal the beauty and diversity of this sought-after stone with hundreds of color photographs.

Kentucky Agate also reveals locations where agate may be found, offering maps of the region surrounding the city of Irvine, Kentucky, including parts of Estill, Powell, Jackson, Menifee, Madison, and Lee counties. With detailed photographs revealing aspects of the rock not visible to the naked eye, this book also provides fascinating information on the history, geology, chemistry, and formation of the mineral.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Oct 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9780813142746

Book preview

Kentucky Agate

Due to variations in the technical specifications of different electronic reading devices, some elements of this ebook may not appear as they do in the print edition. Readers are encouraged to experiment with user settings for optimum results.

Copyright © 2013 by The University Press of Kentucky

Scholarly publisher for the Commonwealth, serving Bellarmine University, Berea College, Centre College of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, The Filson Historical Society, Georgetown College, Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky State University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, Transylvania University, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University.

All rights reserved.

Editorial and Sales Offices

The University Press of Kentucky

663 South Limestone Street

Lexington, Kentucky 40508-4008

www.kentuckypress.com

17  16  15  14  13    5  4  3  2  1

Maps by Terry Hounshell

Design by Paul Hotvedt, Blue Heron Typesetters, Inc.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

McIntosh, Roland L., 1944–

Kentucky agate : state rock and mineral treasure of the commonwealth / Roland L. McIntosh and Warren H. Anderson ; agate photography by Lee P. Thomas ; scenic and microscopic photography by Warren H. Anderson.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-0-8131-4245-6 (hardcover : alk. paper) — ISBN 978-0-8131-4274-6 (epub) — ISBN 978-0-8131-4275-3 (pdf) 1. Agates — Kentucky. I. Anderson, Warren H. (Geologist) II. Title.

TN997.A35M35 2013

553.8’709769 — dc23

2013013309

Printed and bound in South Korea by PACOM KOREA Inc.

Member of the Association of American University Presses

The Financial Support of the Following Contributors Is Gratefully Acknowledged

Blue Grass Gem & Mineral Club

Gems by John LLC

Kentucky Crushed Stone Association

Kentucky Geological Survey

The mission of the Kentucky Geological Survey is to investigate the geology of Kentucky through scientific research on minerals, energy, water, and hazards, and disseminate this data to the public for the benefit of the commonwealth and the nation.

Rockhounds of Central Kentucky

Contents

Introduction

1  Types of Agates

2  Location

3  Agate Formation

4  Geologic Setting

5  Microscopic Petrography of Kentucky Agate: A Microscopic Look at Agates in Reflected and Transmitted Light

6  Kentucky Agate Photographs

7  Agate Jewelry

Acknowledgments

Select Bibliography

Index

Introduction

Kentucky agates are among the most prized in the world because of their deep and varied colors. This book of photographs was compiled to show the natural beauty of these Kentucky rocks and describe how they form. The geodes containing agate are not easy to find, but hiking the scenic byways of east-central Kentucky is even more rewarding if you can walk away with a prized specimen. Located in the beautiful Knobs Region of east-central Kentucky, the rugged terrain near Irvine, Kentucky, hides a story of the agate’s dynamic formation and the creation of nature’s art.

Kentucky agate has been known for many years. Early inhabitants of the area used pieces or red and black agate as decorations along pathways and as borders around gardens. Some agates were stacked in piles while gardens and crops were prepared. It