Gem & Mineral Center in Moose Lake connects people with geology

MOOSE LAKE - They are more than a billion years old and found right here in the Northland.  At Moose Lake State Park., a Gem and Mineral Center connects people with geology.

"Agates are ambassadors to the world of geology; they speak loudly with their color and their beauty to the wonders of nature," said Moose Lake State Park manager Don Del Greco.  Minnesota's gemstone, the Lake Superior Agate has found a home in Moose Lake.  "We have a unique facility that tells the story of Minnesota's gems and minerals through the eyes of Lake Superior agates," said Del Greco.  At the Moose Lake State Park Agate and Geological Interpretive Center, thousands of agates, rocks and gemstones are displayed and preserved.  "People in this particular area, had the passion and the dream and the desire to see a gem and mineral center located in the heart of Lake Superior agate country," said Del Greco. 

Since the center opened in 2003, Del Greco says park attendance has grown from 50,000 to more than 70,000 visitors a year.  "Our revenues are up; we are finding more and more people excited about pursuing the discovery, the search and then really contemplating the wonder and the beauty of Lake Superior agates."  Chris Merten of Sunrise says, "The kids are interested in rocks and collecting rocks so I though it would be fun for them to come here."  It's an educational, interpretive center for those young and old to enjoy.  "It's cool, I mean, when I'm looking at this one, it looks like there is like little circles," said Jack Lacoursiere of Albertville.  "When you find an agate, you are the 1st person in a billion years to pick it up," said Del Greco.  He says the Lake Superior Agate is more than a billion years old, formed in volcanic lava flows in northern Minnesota.  "They have colors and characteristics and complexities and patterns that rival all the different types of agates of the world so they truly are a very beautiful gemstone," said Del Greco.  "This one looks cool," said Lacoursiere.

Read full story [Fox 21]

Comments

[Tom Heidel]

Great site. We just came back this weekend from an Agate hunting trip at Lake Superior. It was our first time. Our first day wasn't so good because of the weather and our inexperience. We traveled to Gran Marais to visit the Gitche Gumee Agate Museum and found out what they actually looked like rather than from pictures only. It really helped.
You can see more about our trip at http://www.wilderness-recipes.com/wilderness-recipes-blog.

Keep up the good work.

[jordan 13]

Your ideas about something is so cool and different,many I knew and many I haven’t known,so I am learning them,thanks.and stay them.

[The North Face]

really rearing to Yin pushed from her, ruthless said coldly:" Yin True, I did not that Shen Lan, I do impersonation, chairman of the rise of ... ... I have not our fate seems to do, and now you

[beats by dr dre]

I shall give thee unto this people.And now behold, my brethren, this is the word which I declare unto you, that many of you have begun to search for gold

[Christian Louboutin Outlet]

Think of your brethren, like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all, and free with your substance, that they maybe rich like unto you.

[coach online outlet]

And, O that ye would listen unto the word of his commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls.

[moncler outlet]

for when these gentry are closely pressed, as to the substance of their knowledge, they will talk of Henry the Fourth of France being contemporary with Henry the Fowler of Germany

[burberry outlet]

I am sorry there should be any thing like doubt in the case/ replied Emma; 'but am disposed to side with you, Mr. Weston.

[ray ban outlet]

If you think he will come, I shall think so too; for you know Knsrombe.''Yes—I have some right to that knowledge; though I have never been at the place in my life.

[Christian Louboutin Outlet]

She is an odd woman! But I never allow myself to speak ill of her, on Frank's account: for I do believe her to be very fond of him.