CALIFORNIA MAGNESITE PLASMA AGATE

California magnesite plasma agate is a kaleidoscope of minerals. Much like its neighbor from Clear Creek, it contains chalcedony, serpentine, jadeite and chromite.

- RUSS KANIUTH

Mixed like a conglomerate with magnesite, at times, you can still find specs of cinnabar in it. The green is predominantly agatized serpentine, where it mixes with the serpentine layers in that area, as well as large outcroppings of magnesite.

The magnesite in that region will yield various colors depending on its mix of minerals.|

You will see pure white to dark gold and orange. Much of what's found is in layers, so the plasma portions usually run in seams.

The seams are sandwiched between layers of magnesite mixed with agate, giving it a desired contrasting pattern.

BUYING MAGNESITE PLASMA AGATE

When buying magnesite plasma agate, you can't always rely on what you see on the outside. Since it cuts like a conglomerate, the patterns will rapidly change inside. It also will contain many porous crumbly pockets and possibly fractures. Beware there will be a good deal of waste material when cutting this from rough material.