Agates

Many people have heard of Agate Beach and even agate hunting, but how many really know what agates are?

Those that are seen in stores are usually smooth and shiny, sometimes sliced to show off their inner beauty -- but they all started out looking like a plain old rock.

It takes practice to recognize an agate on a stretch of rock and gravel on the beach, but Oregon beaches, especially many areas not too far from Salem, offer some of the best agate hunting around.

There are about 20 varieties of beach agates in Oregon, but many of the stones are quite rare.

Agates were produced in the spaces left by decaying plants and animals well before the Ice Age. These spaces were filled with silicone, metals, oxides and minerals carried by water.

The coloring and formations of agates depends on what materials were carried into these voids. The colors range from reds, yellows, whites, browns, greens, pinks and blues, and relatively transparent to cloudy or opaque. Some can contain spots, banding, ribbons or even bubbles of water or air.

So, how can the average person discover these ancient treasures?

They are just lying around waiting to be discovered in the many gravel beds along the Oregon Coast.

Unfortunately for hunters, many of them are under the sand, and can only be uncovered during times of high winds and water.

There is sometimes an incorrect assumption that agates wash up from the ocean during storms, however the truth is that they are uncovered by these events as the sand is eroded from the beach.

Hunters are more likely to discover agates after a major winter storm, but it is possible to find some at other times of the year as well.

Outgoing tides are the key to success -- when the sand is being pulled out to sea.

Although agate beds are all along the coast, the highest concentrations are between the Lincoln City and Florence areas, with Newport having several hunting areas nearby.

As the tide goes out, it can expose gravel beds that look as if they contain only a bunch of gray rocks of different shapes and sizes, but there are a few things to watch for to discover which stones are something more.

Since many of the agates will be smooth or have smooth sections and are quite hard, they will remain wet longer than more porous rock and also will tend to shine or shimmer in the sunlight.

The translucent quality that many agates have is helpful to distinguish them from other rocks.

It takes patience, determination and a sharp eye to find these beauties, but the quest also can be a time to relax. Walking along the beach, breathing the fresh air, feeling the wind and hearing the sounds of the sea are refreshing and rejuvenating.

Adults and children alike will take pleasure in agate hunting.

With a few pointers even the little ones can discover ancient gems.

As with any activity on the beach, there are safety concerns.

Dressing for the weather is the most obvious -- the temperatures and winds can make it chilly along the coast.

Sneaker waves are always something to be wary of, as are strong outgoing currents.

Logs on the beach and in the water should be avoided because it only takes an inch of water to move or roll them, which can be very dangerous.

And the very tides themselves often catch beachgoers off guard.

Being aware of when the tides are expected to change is not only important for locating agates, but also for safety.

Tide charts are available in many coastal locations as well as online from the Hatfield Marine Science Center.

Agates are not the only ancient treasures to look for on the beach. Fossils also can be found along our beaches.

Millions of years ago, many dying plants or animals were trapped in sand or other soils which over the passage of time have been transformed into rock, trapping the ancient remnants within them.

Many rocks contain small bits of shell, but whole clam and snail shells and bone can be discovered if you are lucky and attentive.

There are regulations concerning the removal of fossils in certain areas, and it is illegal to sell them, however as long as you follow these rules, fossil collecting is permitted.

The Oregon Fossil Guy Web site has information on current Oregon fossil regulations.

Many rock shops also have information on agates and fossils available, and owners and employees will often offer advice on a great place to search.

One such shop is in Newport -- Facets Gem and Mineral Gallery, which also has a Web site full of products and supplies. The site has books, maps and field guides that can answer many of your questions and get you started in the right direction.

There also is another option if you would like a little more assistance in the process.

The Oregon Fossil Guy Web site master, Guy Di Torrice, will take you on guided tours to suit your desires, sharing knowledge and experience.

So no matter which option you choose, keep your eyes open and wear clothes with plenty of pockets.