Kentucky Agate

the long version

"Kentucky agate is one of the rarest and most beautiful of all agates formed in sedimentary rocks. Found in scenic east-central Kentucky, these agates are collected, bought, and sold as semiprecious stones and are also made into cabochons for creating jewelry. Agates were formed millions of years ago by geologic processes in the earth. They contain red, black, yellow, and blue bandings. Agates vary in size and are mostly rounded to spherical in shape. Microscopic photographs of the agates reveal spheres and globules of red and yellow iron oxide, which create the various colors in the agate bands. Agates have become harder for individuals to collect, and this book of photographs offers a way for readers to appreciate the beauty of nature's artwork"--Provided by publisher.