Teepee Canyon Agate from South Dakota

This is a large, exceptionally patterned fortification agate with chert from Teepee Canyon in the Black Hills of South Dakota, which has been face polished. Some fractures that look rehealed, it is exceptional in color and size. Measures 4.25 x 3.75+ inches in max dimensions across the face, and between 1.25 to a little less than 1.5 inches thick; weighs 1.2 lbs. A VERY NICE (far better than average) sample of the famous agate from here. The pattern goes all the way through to the other side, although does get smaller on the back, but can also be seen exposed on one of the sides. Some museums do not have this nice of an example from the locality. As time goes on nice pieces like this are harder to get. This one has the "holly leaf" fortification banding which is a trademark of the alluvial "fairburn" agates which originated in the Black Hills source (in-situ) deposits. Reds, oranges and yellows are fairly common for the locality, but the lavendar and pinks are somewhat rare. Interesting to note that, this is considered a "Hills" agate, while alluvial pieces found in the grasslands/gravels would be considered "fairburns," although originating from the same limestone beds in the Black Hills. Ex Christopher Wentzell/Dominion Gems collection.