Quartz (var. Agate)

This particular specimen, a polished half of a Dugway geode, showcases beautiful colour banding, with hues of soft bluish-purple, pink, red, and brown throughout the structure. These geodes formed during the Miocene epoch in what is now western Utah, following the extrusion of rhyolite lava. As the lava cooled, trapped gases created cavities within the rock. Over millions of years, groundwater circulation introduced dissolved minerals, which gradually precipitated and crystallized within these voids. This natural process gave rise to the famous Dugway geodes, known for their semi-spherical shapes and crystal-lined interiors.

An excellent display piece, this geode is a fine example of Utah's fascinating mineralogical heritage.

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This specimen comes from the collection of Dr. Peter Tarassoff, a prominent figure in mineralogy, particularly known for his work at Mont Saint-Hilaire (MSH). His diligent collecting and examination efforts have led him to be the first to identify at least 35 species and discover 12 new species, not only at MSH but also at other alkaline localities. Dubbed the "Dean" of Mont Saint-Hilaire collectors, Peter was honoured with the naming of the new species petarasite in 1980. He has authored or co-authored numerous mineralogical articles and has been a member of the Mineralogical Association of Canada since 1964. Additionally, Peter has volunteered at the Redpath Museum for the past 21 years, where he was formally appointed the Honorary Curator of Mineralogy. In recognition of his significant contributions to mineralogy, Peter was awarded the 2017 Pinch Medal