The Elusive Ellensburg Blue

[leaforte]

Ellensburg Blue is argued as the third most precious gem. It is an agate that is found only in the lower Kittitas County of Washington State, and Israel. Though there are a couple popular picking sites near Ellensburg, rejuvinated annually from the cold/warm climate change and churning of the hill tops, you really need to know a local who is willing to lead you to their special site. That usually takes a lot of local beer, and time to listen to local tales. But it's worth it, in all ways...I was led to these specimans on a hill top near Thorp. I'd tell you where but then I'd have to....well, you know. Unless you bought enough beer to get it out of me...

http://tonymcguiness.smugmug.com/Photography/Slide-Show/EBURG-BLUE1/823816273_eHtSV-L.jpg

http://tonymcguiness.smugmug.com/Photography/Slide-Show/EBURG-BLUE2/823816310_ntcjg-L.jpg

[Roadkill]

That's very interesting. I've never heard of this, but I will look it up because I'm a curious critter.

I would assume the color here is pretty close to actual?

[leaforte]

That's very interesting. I've never heard of this, but I will look it up because I'm a curious critter.

I would assume the color here is pretty close to actual?

Spot on, according to my monitor. Many web sites dedicated to this agate.

[Azzaro]

Hi Leaforte......I have worn a blue agate ring for about 50 years.......I wounder if there is a way to find out if that is where it came from......?? Thanks for sharing that.......:thumbazzaro

[kolibri]

Nice agates. I'd like to see them without the strong reflections and shadows.

Not to be too presumptuous, but if you'd like to see some really awesome agate pictures:

http://www.mindat.org/article.php/885/Agates+-+hidden+beauty

It looks like there is a lot of detail in your concentrically zone agate that you could bring out, and the more homogeneous agate might be really special if you got a fresh surface on it.

[leaforte]

Nice agates. I'd like to see them without the strong reflections and shadows.

Not to be too presumptuous, but if you'd like to see some really awesome agate pictures:

http://www.mindat.org/article.php/885/Agates+-+hidden+beauty

It looks like there is a lot of detail in your concentrically zone agate that you could bring out, and the more homogeneous agate might be really special if you got a fresh surface on it.

Don't make me pull out the special agates they call opal! I just hunt, hunt, shoot, and never kill!

Thank you for the knowledgeable look.

[Dogdots]

Name your beer -- I'll bring plenty for you :D

Beautiful -- never seen one of these before.