Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend - 95 degrees and the only shade found, is the shade I create. . . .
No blues to speak of today - As is sometimes the case. So till next time. . . .

A Few Good Questions. .

Here are a couple great questions recently sent my way.

Why am I so concerned over folks selling fake or mislabeled Ellensburg Blue agate – and why don’t I simply expose these unscrupulous sellers?

Good questions. First, it’s simply frustrating for me to sit back and watch good people paying top dollar for near worthless and readily abundant agate. Many years ago, I too was one of those folks ripped off. While researching what was to eventually become a passion and hobby for me, I bough a few pieces of what was advertised as Ellensburg Blue – only to discover some time later and much to my embarrassment, that it wasn’t Ellensburg blue at all (I show some of this on my website (http://www.blueagates.com/) but was actually bluish agate worth only pennies!

The problem only perpetuates itself when buyers of “non” Ellensburg Blue attempt to sell their cut or rough inferior agate, refusing to believe or acknowledge the frustrating truth when it’s pointed out to them.

Then there are those flagrantly selling fakes – I’ve watched one of these sellers make several thousand dollars over the past months milking unsuspecting and trusting buyers.

Yes, it’s very very frustrating.

So, the second question, why don’t I just expose these scamming pieces of #8&# by name or auction? Simply, I don’t want or need the liability. I will hopefully save a few folks from being ripped of, thru education and a healthy dose of skepticism. THAT is why I occasional (and reluctantly) sell a small piece of blue every now and than, drawing people to my website and now (A bit less politically correct) blog.

Beautiful specimen of Ellensburg Blue Agate
 

Buyers beware

For info on buying E-blue, check out some friendly advice at www.blueagates.com

FAQ

Q: Is Ellensburg Blue found anywhere else in the world?

A: No - while blue agates are found worldwide - Ellensburg blue agate is only found NW of Ellensburg, Washington USA

Did you know. . .
Washington State's gem is Petrified Wood & Nebraska's State gem is Blue Agate

See more FAQ at www.blueagates.com

Buying Ellensburg Blue Agate

Ellensburg Blue is often unidentifiable by even the trained eye, so know and trust the source... Regrettably due to it’s beauty, popularity, value and scarcity, the amount of “fake” Ellensburg Blue agate being sold on auction sites has reached an epidemic proportion. (Don't get burned!)

I have recently seen blue agate worth just a few bucks, sold as E-blue for hundreds! ~ Regrettably, as they say, "there is one born every minute". Don't let this be you -

Be weary if:
· Beware of terms such as “old stock”, “estate” and “Ellensburg Style” as these terms frequently accompany fake or mislabeled E-blues.
· Tumbled and cabbed stones are particularly difficult to authenticate
· If the price is too good to be true – It’s probably not a blue!
· Money back guarantee IF you can prove it’s not real


Ways to protect yourself:
· Ask the seller for a written note of authenticity
Review the sellers “buy” history as far back as you can – Look for anything suspicious
Ask for a 150% money back guarantee ~ If the seller is sure it's genuine E-blue, they will have no problem with this.

For the latest information on Ellensburg Blue Agate - visit www.blueagates.com

The color of blue

For the latest pictures of Ellensburg Blue Agate, visit my updated website at www.blueagates.com

Got Questions?

I'm happy to answer your questions about Ellensburg Blue Agate

Springtime hunting

With a full upcoming weekend of Blue hunting, be sure to check out www.blueagates.com for the newest pictures of Ellensburg Blue agate.

Happy hunting!