Media Reviews: The Lake Superior Agate

The Lake Superior Agate: One Man’s Journey
By Scott F. Waltor
Published by Outernet Publishing, Eden Prairie, MN. 2001.
Softcover, color, 8” x 10”, 173 pages, $42.95.

Reviewed by June Culp Zeitner.

Fortunately, agates are on the rebound as top lapidary materials and aesthetic cabinet specimens. Scott Wolter, a confirmed Lake Superior agate addict, has written his third book about Minnesota’s state gem, beloved by collectors throughout the Midwest. As well as being a stunning picture book, it documents the how, why, and where of the author’s involvement with agate collecting and collectors. We also learn about his active support of and work for a state park for Lake Superior agates and an interpretive center for the agates and Minnesota’s unique geology.

Wolters relates his collecting experiences in a way which keeps the reader wondering what will happen next. A dedicated collector will continue his search regardless of heat or cold, terrain, mosquitoes or snakes, or time of day. He also tells the exciting stories of many rival collectors, with whom he has become close friends. The two Nights of Lake Superior Agates, held in conjunction with the prestigious Minnesota Mineral Club Show, were so popular that more are now on the agenda.

There are many variations of the famous agates, but the most sought after and treasured are those which have good shape, bright and contrasting colors, full and complex patterns, and an impressive size. Each of the agates voted among the “Top Ten” weigh over a pound.

The black-and-white pictures are not up to the splendor of the color photos of top-quality agates, many of which exhibit rare and unusual qualities that qualify these agates for more extensive study.

Wolter’s previous book, The Lake Superior Agate, now in its third edition, tells more about the origins and distribution of the agates, the geology of the agate areas, and the major variations of agate types. This new book will be even more popular with agate lovers because it is the story of people who have made these agates a part of their lives, not just a story of pretty rocks. Water-color prints of an historically important agate are available from the publisher.

June Culp Zeitner, who has been writing for the Lapidary Journal since 1956 and joined the editorial staff in 1967, is the author of nine gem and mineral books, and has helped to start the National Rockhound and Lapidary Hall of Fame.