Before & After

On the ground, bubblegum agates are full of round, bumpy nodules that are usually small between a half-inch and less than one inch across. The nodules are earth-colored — dull brown, tan, pink, orange, yellow or dirty white. When cut or tumble-polished, these nodules sometimes reveal vivid and fantastic colors and patterns. Sometimes. Not always! You take your chances if slicing into these little specimens with a rock saw or grinding them with a grinding wheel or a tumbler filled with grit. If you’re lucky, the results are worth it!