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[nwbeachrocker]

I recently got a 1 lb nodule of Montana agate from a firm in Wyoming.  I've bought great slabs from them before, but never rough.  I've actually never bought rough before, as I just recently acquired a slab saw.  When I slabbed it (1/4") I was surprised to find nothing remotely looking like Montana (or any) agate inside and no translucency whatsoever.
I'm wondering if Montana agate just sometimes looks like this and it's just a roll of the dice when you buy rough, or did I mistakenly get sent a plaine rock of some sort?


Montana agate 1.jpg (283.15 kB . 1024x768 - viewed 447 times)


Montana agate 2.jpg (242.39 kB . 1024x768 - viewed 452 times)


I can handle being out the $6 (+ shipping) but I just want to make sure I have my expectations in order.

[jakesrocks]

There are many types of Montana agates. I think you were expecting to get Montana moss agate. Google that & I'm pretty sure you'll find what you were expecting.

[Slabbercabber]

I suppose that technically any agate from Montana could be called Montana agate (assuming Montana is capitalized) but I would call this deceptive.

[nwbeachrocker]

Googled.
Yeah, that's the stuff.
Although the pics on their website look similar to what I saw when googled, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.  I don't think anyone's getting rich selling this stuff.

Pics from their website for the Montana agate they are selling

Montana agate 3.jpg (100.71 kB . 640x480 - viewed 461 times)


Montana agate 4.JPG (96.87 kB . 640x480 - viewed 456 times)

I have a phone call in to them to talk about what the rest of their stock looks like.

[jakesrocks]

Yep, that's Montana moss. I have friends who own a rock shop near Billings, Montana. They have probably a ton of the stuff. The local Native Americans collect it & bring it in by the bucket loads to make extra money. Here's a link to the shop. They'll do good by you. If they don't, let me know & I'll jump all over their butts. (They owe me) 

therockshop2015@yahoo.com

1625 Old Hardin Rd.

Lockwood, Montana   59101

(406)-256-7296

[nwbeachrocker]

Thanks for the contact Jakesrocks.  I'll give them a shout.

[jakesrocks]

I was just talking on Facebook with one of the partners. He says that right now several tons of Montana moss is buried under several feet of snow. May be spring thaw before they can get at any to sell.

The other partner is also a heavy haul trucker. He hauls the big, heavy loads all over the US. During off hours he rockhounds wherever he's at. He's found many locations to collect some really nice material. He keeps the locations secret. Every time he gets back to Billings, he has at least a ton of new material with him. He knows rockhounds all over thee country & trades material with them. Occasionally he gets up here, & we swap tales & rocks. Cool guy to know.

[montanajohn]

  The picture of agates, and the piece you were sent by the wyoming firm are all very low grade montana agates and just not worth your time.  A risk we all take buying online, and sometimes it takes some effort and expense to locate a trustworthy source.  It sounds like the lockwood shop is your best bet.

[montanajohn]

  Something I should also have mentioned, you might take a look at Jim and Tom Harmon's website, www.harmon's.net. They have a shop located in Savage, Mt, on the lower yellowstone where some of the yellowstone river agates contain  an iron that stains the agate a deep and vivid red.  They will not mislead you in a purchase. 
  The most informative book in my lapidary shelf is "The how-to's of cabbing and carving" which they wrote and sell.

[fossilman]

Yuppers,its a Montana agate,not a Montana moss agate.......Hate when people try to pass these darkies off....
I quit buying Montana's from strangers.......
I know a hand full of hounders that I work with,if I can't hound them...
Better luck on the next rock...

[nwbeachrocker]

I sent pictures of my dud to the company and they gladly sent me another (although I did offer to pay the shipping, which they accepted).  Hoping for better luck this time, although I haven't been able to cut it yet since my saw is awaiting repairs.  Blade got dished and was unable to straighten it.