Geodes: Nature's Treasures

In this book two renowned experts share their lifelong passion for geodes and their extensive knowledge of world-class geode deposits as they present the latest theories on the formation and occurrence of these amazing mineral gifts of nature. Visit the geode mines of Northern Mexico and Southern Brazil with Brad Cross. Learn the geode mining process and how the astonishing treasures hidden inside are uncovered. Travel with June Culp Zeitner as she explores vast geode deposits throughout the Midwestern U.S. that provide a recorded history of the ancient seas that once covered the land. Discover Florida's ocean harvest of unparalleled agatized geodes. Meet the close cousins of geodes--thundereggs, septarians and concretions. See over 140 full-color photos of geodes that defy description!

Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, Brad Cross began serious field collecting at the age of twelve. At eighteen he won a national trophy for his lapidary work at the American Federation of Mineralogical Societies Show and, later received his degree in geology from the University of Texas at El Paso. He spent a number of years in Chihuahua, Mexico, mapping and mining Mexican agates becoming one of the foremost experts on agates. He is currently employed as a Sr. Hydrogeologist with a private consulting firm in Austin,TX. His other published books include Gem Trails of Texas and The Agates of Northern Mexico. He is currently working on Agates of the Americas.

June Culp Zeitner is considered one of the icons of the gem and mineral world. A professional writer since 1952 she has produced ten books plus thousands of magazine articles, columns, and book reviews. She has been on the staff of Lapidary Journal, Earth Science, and Metal, Stone and Glass as well as been a contributor of many articles to Rock & Gem magazine and other magazines and newspapers. A featured lecturer and presenter at regional and national gem shows, she and her husband Albert traveled throughout the U.S. and to all the states of Mexico and the provinces of Lower Canada amassing a major display of self-collected minerals. She is the 2005 recipient of the Carnegie Mineralogical Award for outstanding contributions in mineralogical preservation, conservation and education.