Agates with inclusions are some of the rarest and most beautiful agates in the world. These inclusions may be sagenitic (sagenite), plume, dendritic, or moss. A description of each of these most common types of inclusions is important here.
Sagenite, or more accurately, sagenitic agate is any agate having acicular or needle-like mineral growths. These hair like filaments are often arranged in fans or sunbursts. The inclusions come in a wide array of colors.
Plume agate has fluffy inclusions which often appear to be soft and have depth. Sometimes plume agate inclusions resemble feathers, plants, or flowers. Colors may vary as in sagenite.
Dendritic agate has thin, two-dimentional, treelike growths, usually black or dark brown, as is the case with Montana Agate. Often dendrites form between flat “waterline” bands of agate. Dendrites may also occur in limestone, talc, and sandstone, and in beryl, corundum, and other minerals.
When inclusions in agate are random in pattern, often creating the appearance of seaweed or moss, we have moss agate. Moss agate comes in many colors and is often green. Moss is the most common type of inclusion in agate.
The main focus here is on sagenite and plume agate.
I have identified sagenite from over 250 different agate deposits worldwide. My belief is that at least a little sagenite can be found at most agate fields. It is impossible to say today what percentage of the original deposits was sagenitic, but in the hundred or so agate fields I have been to, a very small percentage of the agate has sagenitic inclusions. With the exception of a small number of fields, probably less than five percent of the available agate at fields I’ve been to is sagenitic. Those few agate fields that have a higher incidence of sagenite offer a rare and exciting treat to the collector.
Plume is surprisingly more common than most of us might believe. Many collectors know of Priday Plume, Graveyard Point, Del Norte (Colorado), West Texas, and Mexican Plume. The oxides which form plume and other inclusions are quite common. If they are present and conditions are right, the inclusions form. I have plume from over a hundred agate fields in my collection.
Inclusions occur where iron oxide, manganese oxide, or other oxides are present when the agate is formed. The oxide minerals grow in the agate when it is in a liquid or gelatinous state. The inclusions grow and are supported by this liquid medium. If sagenite inclusions grow outside of the gel, the tops of the needles resemble a pin cushion. Plume and moss inclusions grow outside the gel as well.
In very rare instances, plume and sagenite are found in the same rock. Plume and moss are often associated together. I have found sagenite in or near moss only a few times.
Multicolor plumes appear to be more common than multicolor sagenitic sprays. I don’t understand this. It may be coincidental. It is based on examining several thousand specimens. I have not yet seen plumes or sagenite needles penetrate bands in agate. My belief is that sagenite and plume are formed in silica gel after the gel fills or partially fills the cavity. Banded agate apparently forms at a different time. Some of my favorite agates have complete fortifications next to inclusions.
The thrill of finding a quality agate in the field is only topped by making that perfect, often lucky cut in the saw. Unlike banded agate which often gives the cutter multiple quality slabs, we seldom get more than one outstanding cut per rock with plume or sagenite.
As a collector, I am very selective in what I pick up in the field and still less than 5% of what I cut goes in my display case. That’s the nature of what we do. A very small quantity of agates are exceptional.
As a collector, I actively buy and sell quality material. I very much like to trade material and will trade agate hunting locations.
I love to exchange ideas on hunting, cutting, and displaying. I enjoy digging and sharing a good campfire.
For more information on agate formation and collecting areas, see my book at: http://agateswithinclusions.com/book
Do you hunt anywhere in southern California?
There are geode beds some 60-70 miles northeast, south of a town called Blythe, CA. I live near the Salton Sea, I have found few whole geodes. The rest have been opened. I have found a fiery red sagenite connected to host rock, about half an inch thick, maybe 6 inches wide.
I’m doing my best to fine someone in southern California that is able to cut some of my best finds.
Adam, find a nearby lapidary to cut your finds, they will be the best-equipped and best-experienced for the job. It will cost you a small fee, but you may get lucky and they may offer to buy from you if what they cut turns out to be of great quality.
I’ll be hitting those same geode areas you’re talking about (I’m near Riverside) mid-Feb.
Hi Alex,
Thank you for helping out Adam. I hope you found great stuff on your February trip.
Warm regards,
Pat McMahan
Hi Adam,
I am sorry to take so long to respond. Yes, I have spend years hunting Southern California. I am originally from Ventura. I am familiar with the Wiley Well Geode deposits. I suggest you contact a local gem and mineral club. You should find some by Googling Rock clubs. People in those clubs will have saws. Also often rock shops will cut material for a fee or on a share basis. Good luck and have fun with this hobby.
Warm regards,
Pat McMahan
Greetings, Pat,
I appreciate your agates with inclusions site. I was searching for info on a slab of Sagenite I have, a gift from my cousin David Hill. Dave and Jim and their dad, my favorite Uncle Ray, were very serious rockhounds from Colton, OR. I grew up in eastern Oregon, on a ranch out of Vale. This area being such rich grounds for fine rock specimens of many kinds, my rockhound family visited quite often and I followed them over lots of Malheur County. They were after petrified wood at Cow Valley, fossils and wood around Twin Springs, thunder eggs in Sucker Creek, swamp bottom at Willow Creek and you certainly know of plume agate at Graveyard Pt. I have a nice petrified pine cone I found near Willow Ck.
Dave got a Masters in rockhounding from OSU and spent his career with Union Oil; usually between Ventura, CA and Anchorage. I googled David Hill and criminy, there must be a dozen + who have made the news and can be found on a www search.
I’m getting together 3 or 4 of my specimens for my granddaughter’s second grade science class study on “Rocks”. Thanks again for the info on your good website. I’d sure like to stop by your agate collection sometime.
Steve H.
Hi Steve,
Your family comes from some agate rich areas. I have hunted the Succor Creek area quite a lot. There is some nice material from there. You are welcome to stop by and see my collection any time. I live near Sedona, Arizona. We might even do an agate hunt near here.
Take care,
Pat McMahan