The latest monograph from Lithographie Ltd!

The “Mineral Monographs” series (formerly ExtraLapis monographs) published by Gloria Staebler’s Lithographie, Ltd. has a new entry that has been decades in the making. The subject of quartz has long been the passion and research preoccupation of Ann and (the late) Si Frazier, authors or co-authors of many articles on the subject over the years. This new book, of which they are coauthors, addresses the collectible specialty of agates: banded, cryptocrystalline quartz known in an almost infinite variety from countries around the world.

A team of eleven authors, led by Brad Cross, addresses the gamut of agate-related aspects, beginning with a deep dive into the history of agate appreciation—from paleolithic times to Biblical references, ancient Greek and Roman authors like Theophrastus and Pliny, Medieval scholars such as Albertus Magnus and Hildegard von Bingen, and authorities from the beginnings of geological science, including the likes of James Hutton and Abraham Werner. Then comes a chapter on the surprisingly complex mineralogical features of agates, their peculiar microstructure and highly varied color banding. Immediately following is a full chapter on the sources of all the many colors found in agate banding, then a section specifically on manganese dendrites in agate.

Localities covered are by no means comprehensive but include a chapter on the agates of northern Mexico, especially “crazy lace” agate. The microscopic wonders to be found in agates make for another interesting chapter, followed by a photo portfolio dedicated to the various agate phenomena, concluding with a glossary of terms and a substantial bibliography. The prominent feature of the whole book, of course, is the beautiful professional photography of over 250 fine examples of all kinds of agates, superbly printed on high-quality glossy paper. For any lover of agates, this is a book to cherish and read again and again.

Check out the quick flip video HERE