Wyoming State Mineral & Gem Society, Inc. JadeAward StateWinning WSMGS Website: wsmgs.orgNews Volume 2019, Issue 2 Wyoming Agates WHAT ARE AGATES Chalcedony (cryptocrystalline quartz), in its pure form, is transparent when exposed to concen- trated light. When a small amount of impurities or foreign materials are added, the color of the cryptocrystalline quartz changes and its ability to transmit light decreases, creating semitransparent to translucent varieties of chalcedony. Agates are a form of chalcedony that contain pat- WSMGS OFFICERS terns caused by impurities within this cryptocrys- President: Jim Gray talline quartz. The most common agate patterns
[email protected] caused by impurities are in the form of bands, concentric lines (dendritic), mottled, moss shaped Vice President: Linda Richendifer or plume-like. In addition, these patterns are often
[email protected] different in color than the chalcedony that contains it. The book Agates by Karen A. Brzys lists that Secretary: Leane Gray over 16 different agate patterns can be found in
[email protected] Wyoming. Treasurer: Stan Strike HOW DO AGATES FORM
[email protected] Agates usually form in areas where surface water seeps through igneous rocks or volcanic ash. Historian: Rod Baltes continued on page 2
[email protected] Jade State News Editor: Jennifer Flowers Wyoming Agates Pages ........1-6
[email protected] WSMGS Info & Updates Pages ......7-10 Rockhound of Year Nominations Page .......... 11 RMFMS State Director: Stan Strike Acrylic Rock Painting Pages ... 11, 12
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