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agate because the patterns often resemble medieval hill fortifications seen from above.

Picture agates are any kind of agate that have a mineral deposit that forms a figure. These are prized for jewelry.

Cloud agates, also called blue agates, are mottled with blue-black, blue, and milky colors. True blue agates are highly prized.

Moss agates don't really have moss in them. Mineral deposits form the branched, mossy patterns seen in these stones. Many form tree-like pictures, and are called landscape agates.

Jasper is another massy quartz stone found alongside agates. It is not transparent, but is often brilliantly colored. Jasper comes in red, yellow, and green.

Bloodstone is a type of dark green jasper with red spots. It is fairly rare. Bloodstone is sometimes called Heliotrope.

Petrified wood is formed when agate or jasper deposits replace wood. It is a type of fossil.

WHAT TO DO WITH AGATES
Because agate is a hard stone, it can be tumbled to a high polish. Inexpensive rock tumblers can be found at most hobby shops. It can take up to a month to polish rocks, so be patient. Hobby shops or craft shops may also sell jewelry "findings" (earring bases, key chains, etc.) to turn your tumbled stones into jewelry. Polished agates can also be piled into fancy jars for decoration, placed around cacti and small plants in dish gardens, or used in aquariums. Keep in mind that agates are a mineral deposit, so by no means are a renewable resource. Take only what you will use, and leave the rest for others to enjoy.

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