Agate deposits in the Dryhead area of the Pryor Mountains in Big Horn County, Montana, became known to collectors in the mid-20th century when prospectors followed scattered agate nodules found on the surface back to their source layers. These nodules, later called Dryhead agates, formed within sedimentary rocks and often contain colorful banding, although only a small portion produce gem-quality material. Beginning in the 1950s, rockhounds and small claim holders conducted limited mining, typically removing nodules by hand or with light equipment. Interest from collectors grew through the 1960s and 1970s, and for a period the site operated as a fee-dig area where visitors could search for agates themselves. As the more accessible material became scarce and the location proved difficult to work economically, organized mining activity declined during the 1980s and 1990s. Today, most Dryhead agates circulating among collectors were recovered during those earlier decades of exploration and small-scale mining, however mining operations have been recently reopened at a small scale!
This specimen is a classic example of face-polished Dryhead agate with intense orange banding. Not automatically polished, the gently domed edges reveal this piece to be handwork, a show of more love and attention. This nodule has almost no excess matrix, despite a natural back, which is of utmost desirability! This specimen comes from 2025 production. UV is shortwave reaction (254nm)
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(2.6 × 2.2 × 0.8 in - 6.6 × 5.5 × 2.0 cm) 3.2oz / 90g
Orders ship Mondays
Agate deposits in the Dryhead area of the Pryor Mountains in Big Horn County, Montana, became known to collectors in the mid-20th century when prospectors followed scattered agate nodules found on the surface back to their source layers. These nodules, later called Dryhead agates, formed within sedimentary rocks and often contain colorful banding, although only a small portion produce gem-quality material. Beginning in the 1950s, rockhounds and small claim holders conducted limited mining, typically removing nodules by hand or with light equipment. Interest from collectors grew through the 1960s and 1970s, and for a period the site operated as a fee-dig area where visitors could search for agates themselves. As the more accessible material became scarce and the location proved difficult to work economically, organized mining activity declined during the 1980s and 1990s. Today, most Dryhead agates circulating among collectors were recovered during those earlier decades of exploration and small-scale mining, however mining operations have been recently reopened at a small scale!
This specimen is a classic example of face-polished Dryhead agate with intense orange banding. Not automatically polished, the gently domed edges reveal this piece to be handwork, a show of more love and attention. This nodule has almost no excess matrix, despite a natural back, which is of utmost desirability! This specimen comes from 2025 production. UV is shortwave reaction (254nm)
Thank you so much for viewing! Please message for any further information
(2.6 × 2.2 × 0.8 in - 6.6 × 5.5 × 2.0 cm) 3.2oz / 90g
Orders ship Mondays
