Ellensburg Blue Agate Cabochons

2 Ellensburg Blue Agate cabs ready to be set! One is larger than the other would make a great necklace and ring . Ellensburg Blue agate is a semi-precious gem that is found only in the Ellensburg, Washington area, and is often referred to as the "third rarest gemstone" or "third most rare semi-precious stone on the planet" by enthusiasts and local sources, though its exact standing in terms of rarity isn't officially ranked by major gemological institutions. It's known for its unique blue and white banding, intricate patterns, and high Mohs hardness (7.5-8.3), which makes it a sought-after stone for collectors and jewelry makers. Key Characteristics Color: Predominantly blue with white bands. Appearance: Often features a parallax effect, making the bands appear to move, and some pieces may have orange inclusions. Hardness: 7.5 to 8.3 on the Mohs scale, which is harder than most other agates. Host Rock: Forms in rhyolite, a type of igneous rock. Uniqueness: Each piece of Ellensburg Blue agate is unique, with no two stones matching in color or pattern. Rarity and Origin Limited Location: It is found in a specific, small area in northwest Kittitas County, around Upper Green Canyon and Reecer Creek, near Ellensburg, Washington. "Third Rarest" Status: The claim of being the third-rarest gemstone is often cited in local media, social media, and by enthusiasts but is not an official or definitive ranking from a recognized gemological body. Acquisition: Finding the stone is difficult due to the limited area of its occurrence and the fact that much of the land is privately owned. Popularity and Value Collector's Item: Known for its beauty and rarity, it is popular among rockhounds and collectors. Jewelry: Lapidaries and jewelry artisans craft custom pieces from the agate, highlighting its unique beauty. Blue agate stone, only found locally, ranks as the third rarest gem - CWU Observer May 15, 2013 — By SAMANTHA MONTERREY, staff reporter. Upper Green Canyon and Reecer Creek may not look like the hidden gems that they are, but over 162 acres produce a sparse ... https://offerup.com/redirect/?o=Y3d1b2JzZXJ2ZXIuY29t 3RD RAREST GEMSTONE IN THE WORLD!!! MI Rock Stop Gifts ... Jul 15, 2025 — It can only be found in northwest Kittitas County, particularly around Green Canyon and Reecer Creek Roads. Ellensburg Blue agate has a Mohs hardness scale of 7...