Summary: This is a three-part presentation focused on Lake Superior Agates. Part one provides a high-level summary of the geological events that led to the formation of agates, a bit of agate chemistry, and the glacial activities that led to the broad distribution of Lake Superior Agates. Part two takes the audience on an inside and up-close tour of the incredible diversity of agate types and some possible formation theories. This second part of the presentation is accompanied by colorful and detailed photographs of multiple specimens for each type of agate. Part three will instruct the audience on how to hunt for and identify Lake Superior Agates and the many imposters that one might confuse with agates because of corresponding colors or features. The third part of the presentation provides critical tips for prospecting and photographs of rough agates and agate imposters. You could give a lifetime to hunting for and studying our amazing Lake Superior Agates; there is important research and discovery still waiting to be done!

Biography: Rockhounding is more than a hobby for author Jim Magnuson, it’s a serious and rewarding avocation that helps him connect with nature. He has been an avid hunter and student of various gems, minerals and fossils since his childhood, when he first began to hunt for stones in his native state of Illinois. These experiences taught Jim the importance of persistence and willingness to follow the road less traveled for more unique or rare kinds of rocks. Jim also enjoys sharing his passion through researching and writing both creatively, and from a practically oriented process orientation. Because of Jim’s in-depth knowledge, he is frequently called upon to present to groups such as rock and mineral clubs, geological societies and educational institutions that focus on outdoor and environmental interests. In addition to Jim’s passion for prospecting and hunting he also likes to perform various lapidary arts with the stones that he finds, and he has a small business of making and selling custom polished stones and jewelry pieces. Finally, Jim enjoys creating photographic illustrations that are up close and personal for prospecting, hunting and lapidary work. Jim was a photographer for his high school and college newspapers and yearbooks where he focused on student activities that created perspectives on campus life. Jim has authored seven books with worldwide sales of over 70,000 copies; the list of publications is below:

·       The Storied Agate - A light-hearted photographic expose with stunning natural photographic images of Lake Superior Agates and stories about the hunting experience

·       The Fairburn Agate of the Black Hills - A light-hearted photographic expose with stunning natural photographic images of Fairburn Agates and stories about the hunting experience

·       Agate Hunting Made Easy - A practical “how to” guide for novices and experienced Lake Superior Agate Hunters, spanning multiple hunting domains and providing photographic illustration of natural agate and “imposter” specimens

·       Lake Superior Agates and Imposters - A condensed field guide for novices and experienced Lake Superior Agate Hunters providing photographic illustration of natural agate and “imposter” specimens (companion publication to Agate Hunting Made Easy)

·       Emma’s First Agate - An illustrated children’s book that tells the story of a young girl and her passion for rocks and agates, and how her grandfather guides her towards realizing her dream of finding a beautiful agate

·       Gemstone Tumbling, Cutting, Drilling and Cabochon Making - A practical “how to” guide for novice lapidary artists with many visuals that illustrate process details, and helpful charts for equipment selection and process details

·       Rockhounding and Prospecting – Midwest (coming in Summer 2021) - Beginners guide to prospecting for and collecting gems and minerals including gold, copper, geodes, agates, thomsonite, fluorescent sodalite and more. This is a groundbreaking book that provides a visually oriented guide to modern day tools, methods and hunting locales that will lead to success. The information is informed by experienced and passionate field experts in each of the different types of rocks, minerals and fossils that we cover in this book.