Zeke takes me for a two mile daily walk. Depending on the angle and intensity of the sun, I will find at least one agate. A girl has to look for something new each day! Michael gifted me a rock tumbler for Christmas. My son in law Matt (the other geologist in the family) inspired me to put it to use when he was here in May.

These are mostly agates, but I snuck in some banded iron formation, rhyolite, citrine, plain old quartz, and one amethyst. Most of the agates are red, which is common for Lake Superior varieties. A glacier scooped them up and dumped them locally long ago.

Agates, citrine and quartz after having their edges rounded with coarse grit.

Agates, banded iron formation and quartz after their second tumble.

Agates and quartz after the third tumble. The bottom rock looks waxy. It was the driest in this photo. I could start to buff the rocks and have them begin to shine, which meant they were ready for the final stage.

Some of these are distinctive enough that I remember picking them up.

Thank you Matt for convincing me I had time for one more project! Now to find my jewelry making equipment so I can wrap some of these shiny rocks and hang them in a window.