AGATE FROM AGATE CREEK AUSTRALIA (small cabinet), Agate Creek south of Forsayth Northern Queensland AUSTRALIA

The fossicking sites where this agate is found, are located in the basin-shaped Agate Pocket, which is formed by the Agate Creek Volcanic Group, a remnant of early Permian volcanic activity. This volcanic layer sits atop the granitic rocks of the Robin Hood Granodiorite. Within this area, three distinct formations can be identified: the Big Surprise Tuff, Black Soil Andesite, and Thunder Egg Rhyolite. Additionally, intrusive bodies of similar age, such as rhyolite and the Connie May Dolerite, have penetrated the volcanic rocks. During the later Jurassic period, the volcanics were covered by sandstones and conglomerates from the Hampstead Sandstone, which have since eroded, leaving only remnants on the southwestern escarpment and at the heads of Spring and Agate creeks.

Agates are found as amygdales in the upper sections of the Black Soil Andesite, while thunder eggs appear as spherulites in the Thunder Egg Rhyolite that forms the northeastern edge of the pocket.

Agates can be discovered as solid nodules or geodes, typically ellipsoidal or rounded, with an average size of about 50mm. These agates often display vibrant colors and intricate banding patterns. The thunder eggs found in the rhyolite may also contain red-brown jasper infillings. Key areas for exploration include Black Soil Creek, Crystal Hill, Bald Hill, Simpsons, Blue Hills, and Flanagans.

POLISHED