About ELLENSBURG BLUE AGATE

About Ellensburg Blue Agate

Ellensburg Blue Agate began to draw attention circa 1930, thus beginning the search for this elusive gem.

What makes it unique and much sought after? The answers to this question can be summed up in several words: scarcity, color range, variety, and hardness.

The scarcity of the stone is such that finding even the smallest pieces is considered a good day's find. The land where "Ellensburg Blue" is found is private and inaccessible.

The color of the Ellensburg Blue Agate ranges from a light sky blue through a cornflower blue to an almost purple royal blue. Clouds, streaks, or bands may occur in the agate and graduate from nearly opaque to transparent.

Ellensburg Blue Agate is only found near its namesake, Ellensburg Washington USA. First discovered by the Kittitas Indians who inhabited the area, and in 1913 offered this advice on finding the agates, one should “Walk with the sun over your left shoulder.”

The hardness of any stone is measured on the MOHs scale of 1 to 10. One is Talc and ten diamond. Using this measurement, "Ellensburg Blue" will test from 7.5 to 8.3 or harder on the scale.

Because of its singular qualities and limited quantity, many gemologists have re-classified the Ellensburg Blue Agate as a precious gem.

Virtually all of Ellensburg Blue Agate hunting grounds is now located on private property.

Due to livestock harassment, littering, cut fences, fires, liability issues and a general disregard for personal property any trespassers are subject to deep fines, arrest or even being mistaken as wild game and accidentally (wink wink) shot. Many land and property owners are now using electronic surveillance.

Please respect private property
~ Thank you ~