“Genesis And Classification Of Agates And Jaspers: A New Theory” Book Review


“Genesis And Classification Of Agates And Jaspers: A New Theory” insightfully explains the formation of these gems and features beautiful photos.

2 Minute Read

HomeLearning CenterGemologyGemology Tools“Genesis And Classification Of Agates And Jaspers: A New Theory” Book Review
"Agate" by Toby Charlton-Taylor is licensed under CC By-ND 2.0

Genesis and Classification of Agates and Jaspers: a New Theory . Marco Campos-Venuti. Rome, Italy: Tophgrafia Luciani, 2012. 160 pp.

When talking with gemologists and jewelers, the topic eventually moves away from precious gems to agate and jasper stones. This never fails to evoke a new level of enthusiasm with statements like, "I love agates and jaspers. They are my favorites." There is something about the beauty and fluidity of agates and jaspers that both enchants and mystifies.

When showing studio visitors samples of newly cut agates and jaspers, the question of how these stones were formed always arises. Until I read Genesis and Classification of Agates and Jaspers: a New Theory, by Marco Campos-Venuti, I would simply answer with one word: magic.

"Jasper Slices" by Deidre Wollard is licensed under CC By 2.0

Magic is the simple way of explaining the formation of these natural wonders, but to understand the geological genesis and to see the real beauty of agates and jaspers, Marco Campos-Venuti does a wonderful job of showing the intricate steps that transform silica solutions into the stones we collect, carve, and display.

Genesis and Classification of Agates and Jaspers: a New Theory speaks to both the beginning collector and to the professional geologist. Starting with classification and moving to genesis and facies, Marco Campos-Venuti takes the reader on a journey from the basic creation to the intricate subtleties of these gems.

After reading this book, I found myself revisiting my favorite agate and jasper specimens and using his explanations of their formation to decode their evolution and design. At first, I was worried that Marco Campos-Venuti's new book would take away some of the mysterious charm of these stones. I was wrong. It only added to their intrigue.

"Chalcedony (Var: Agate)." © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

This book shows the breakthroughs in research and new paths to understanding the geological formation of agates and jaspers. However, that is only one of the ways that Marco Campos-Venuti addresses their genesis and classification. Although I am not one that will readily provide spoilers to books and movies, I will make an exception in this case. The photographs are a major highlight of this book. The visual examples of agates and jaspers come from some of the finest collectors and are some of the most beautiful examples I have seen photographed.

I now have Marco Campos-Venuti's Genesis and Classification of Agates and Jaspers: a New Theory sitting in my studio next to a batch of newly cut agates, poised and waiting for the inevitable question of how these stones were formed. I am now able to expose the tricks and reveal the magic.

Mark Oros, http://www.hashnustones.com

Genesis and Classification of Agates and Jaspers: a New Theory is available through eBay.

"Red Jasper Sink" by IndoGemstone is licensed under CC By 2.0

Mark Oros

At Hashnu Stones & Gems, we work and play with some of nature's finest creations, gem stones, opals, agates, jaspers, and fossils. We custom facet and carve a great variety of materials for our patrons, collectors, jewelers, artists and our friends. We also provide fellow lapidarists with facet-grade quality rough material for their own creations.

Related Articles

More Articles
Agate Value, Price, and Jewelry InformationJoel E. Arem</a>, PhD, FGA. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Agate Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Agate is a variety of chalcedony that exists in many colors and is often commercially dyed. Agate is distinguished by...
Read More
Jasper Value, Price, and Jewelry InformationJoel E. Arem</a>, PhD, FGA. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Jasper Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

Jasper is an opaque, solid or patterned variety of cryptocrystalline quartz. All types of jasper take an excellent polish, are...
Read More
Agate Buying Guide

Agate Buying Guide

Decorative, patterned forms of agate are excellent natural gems. Learn more about agate's mesmerizing patterns in our agate buying guide....
Read More
How To Make A Rock Lamp

How To Make A Rock Lamp

With the right tools and a little drilling know-how, you can create a rock lamp with an agate or jasper...
Read More

Latest Articles

More Articles
Classic Engagement Ring StonesPastel purple sapphire</a>, 1.08 cts, 5.8 mm, round cut, Sri Lanka. © <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/genesis-and-classification-of-agates-and-jaspers-a-new-theory-book-review/"https://www.thegemtrader.com/">The Gem Trader</a>. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Classic Engagement Ring Stones

Emerald, ruby, sapphire, and diamond are the most popular choices for classic engagement ring stones. Learn more about these traditional...
Read More
Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Is fei cui a better term for "pyroxene jade" than jadeite? Jeffery Bergman reviews Broken Bangle, a new book on...
Read More
Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry InformationJoel E. Arem</a>, PhD, FGA. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

One of the rarest of all facetable gems, cut cuprites can show magnificent deep red color. However, these beautiful stones...
Read More
Gemstone Radiation TreatmentPhoto courtesy of <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/genesis-and-classification-of-agates-and-jaspers-a-new-theory-book-review/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/">liveauctioneers.com and <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/genesis-and-classification-of-agates-and-jaspers-a-new-theory-book-review/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/auctioneer/1081/eros-auctions-inc/">Eros Auctions, Inc</a>." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Gemstone Radiation Treatment

Gemstone radiation is a common but little understood technique for altering colors. Learn how it works and what gems usually...
Read More

Never Stop Learning

When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.

Become a Member

Get Gemology Insights

Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!