~iris agate info needed~

Like I said, it's there, but slightly........Carnelian agate...




This one,I have to play it more with the sun....

Scott, years ago I remember seeing quite a few lampshades made Tiffany-style with embedded iris agate slabs. It created a very lovely effect. Beyond that I don't know of many other practical uses but there's no end to human creativity.

Pieces with really strong iris—doesn't take much light coming through to pop—do get cut as gems (low-dome or no-dome tablets) set into open-back settings at sky-high prices—some of the highest I've seen for agates/chalcedonies. Part of the high price is that a lot of stones must be cut before happening upon a slice that wasn't cut too thick or too thin, that happened to get cut at the perfect angle to maximize the effect, that doesn't have distracting inclusions, that has nice face-up color (or lack of color), pattern, etc. Though there is a lot of material out there with the micro banding and diffraction grating that offers iris potential, the gem-grade yield is tiny. I like the idea of the lamp, which would be a way of making use of nice pieces that don't quite meet what the gem market wants. Really good iris in face-polished whole cuts that aren't quite clean enough for gems also fetch high prices as specimens. On the consumer side, the appeal in jewelry would be the same as for contra-luz opals, star stones that only show against backlighting, material that changes color when backlit and similar optical phenomena that depend on just the right lighting. I think some people really like stones with a "secret" that is only apparent to those who know, but whatever the reason, there apparently are enough of them to support those prices. I'm happy with having a few affordable lower grade pieces, and they look great on a windowsill without worrying about fading like many others in the quartz family. I'd be ecstatic to come across one of those gemmy pieces, though, and at shows and shops I try to remember to hold even those otherwise unremarkable slabs and cabs up to strong light—learned that lesson after seeing other buyers who snatched up things like cheap agate wind chimes that turned out to be gemmy iris and cheap rose quartz that turned out to have strong stars from unaware sellers, though those folks still seem to manage to get the good stuff one table down before I get to it.

hey it's been awhile! Speaking of iris, besides hitting it the gravel bars everyday all day, we've been going thru our agates, setting aside the ones we think may have iris. We've got a few we are stoked about, a few were happy about and quit a few were not so happy about. Lol it's a hit or miss and love the anticipation that comes with it. Gotta get some pics uploaded, would love your opinion.

Hey hi!!!! Of course, when are you gonna be in town? I'm going out of town the 1st wk in june but other than that I'm good to go.

If I remember correctly, I will be in Glendive the night of the 20th. Late, it is a 10 hour drive straight through.

hey I just noticed your from fairbolt mn? I have family there and I'm originally from st paul...lol cool

the Douglas'...Jim and Peggy, kids are Lonnie and Mary

I didn't think you would. Eitherway it's cool your from Minn. You have family in glendive?