( 
)Ellensburg Blue Agates
Often referred to as Blues
Often referred to as Blues
There is MUCH confusion about Ellensburg Blue Agates. Blues are found in only one place in the world (North-West of Ellensburg Washington USA). Blues are the third rarest mineral in the world. and because of their MANY trace minerals (including titanium), Blues are the hardest agates known. The Moh's hardness rating fluctuates from 7.0 - 8.3. Yes this means some Blues are harder than Topaz.
I see a lot of fake Blues on eBay and other places where there are people selling Malawi Blue agates, Blue Lace agates. Blue Chalcedony, and Redtop potatoes (this is another blue agate found father north in the state of Washington). I call these redtop potatoes gray wannabes. In the matrix; Redtop agate looks like a beautiful blue agate; then when you try to cut and polish the stone; you get a nasty surprise; the stone turns a dull gray color because the agate does not have sufficient minerals to retain that beautiful blue color after you cut it out of the matrix.
Other that Blue's uniqueness of being the hardest agate known, found in only one place in the world, the rarest form of agate; Real Ellensburg Blues are unique because it is virtually impossible to find two stones that look alike (You could try to cut two or three cabochons from the same agate, and there would be variations). Blues can be found in many different shades of blue. The color varies all the way from purple color to a deep cornflower blue color to a sky blue, to a light blue that is transparent
If you see a collection of blue agates that appear to be xerox copies of one another you can rest assured that the agates are fake Blues.
Because of their scarcity; BLUES are VERY expensive Here in Ellensburg (often called E-burg) A Blue set in a silver ring can sell for $300 or more, Then if you want the stone set in gold; the cost goes up even more. I have personally seen faceted 6 mm Blues that are transparent sell for $1200 (just for the rock). These are the AAA grade specimens, and I have heard of some people who make Ellensburg Blue jewelry pay as much as $100 or more a gram for these AAA grade specimens. I saw one Ellensburg Blue cocktail ring. The stone was marquise cut and about 20x10 mm, and the price was $3000.
Blues are scarce, and as more development around Ellensburg occurs; the scarcity and the price of these minerals are only going to go up!
Blues are NOT found in veins. These are small agate nodules deposited here by glaciers during the last ice age. Ellensburg Blue agate nodules are often 1/2 an ounce to 26 ounces (this is the largest Blue I have heard of
Blues have a calming and soothing energy, and I would recommend that you buy an even B or C grade Blue and hold it in your hand as you meditate, and carry it in a pocket during the day. Many people find that holding a blue in their hand during meditation; constant mental chatter is lessened. This means it helps you reach deeper levels of meditation more quickly than you would expect.
I know that many people will dismiss the metaphysical properties of crystals out of hand; but I can only report numerous anecdotal experiences.
I AM able to report my experience after moving to E-Burg in the winter of 2004-5.
I lived in Kentucky and Tennessee most of my life, and heard about "Southern Hospitality" but sure did not see much of it! Most of the people I knew in the south were angry, jealous, backbiting, and gossiping. As far as I am concerned; the people of the South would do well to take a few lessons from Ellensburg.
I was visiting here in October 2004; and after four days; I opened a bank account with intent to move here, and three months later; I was a resident.
I have traveled widely through most of the states, and several provinces in Canada while traveling for tourism, and teaching assorted workshops about Hawai'ian mysticism, and Reiki. I NEVER had any place affect my life the way Ellensburg, and the Kittitas Valley has. I am HOME.
Guide created: 05/12/08 (updated 09/12/08)
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