How to Collect Fairburn Agates
Fairburn agates are a type of agate found in a specific geographic location, near their namesake, Fairburn, South Dakota. The town of Fairburn is located in Custer County, in the southwestern part of the state. Fairburn agates are found in and around this region, extending southward into Nebraska. The distinguishing characteristics of a Fairburn agate, versus Prairie or Lake Superior agates, is the holly pattern in at least one spot (often multiple holly designs grace a single agate) and their parallel banding.
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Instructions
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Determine the parameters of your collection. Do you want to acquire the agates by purchasing them or would you prefer to find them yourself? Will you allow all sized agates into your collection or accept even the smallest Fairburn? Are you collecting for pleasure or do you hope to make money for your efforts?
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Familiarize yourself with the collecting laws in South Dakota and Nebraska. It is illegal to collect anything from state or national parks (Custer is nearby) and you must obtain permission to collect from privately owned land.
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Consider the weather. The Black Hills region, near Fairburn, has different weather patterns than the rest of the state due to the landscape. The area is prone to flooding, even in winter, and also receives significant snowfall. The best conditions for Fairburn hunting are right after a big melt, so that the water washes away all of the top layers of sediment, exposing agates. Fairburn agates are often found on the banks of streams.
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Browse the Internet, especially eBay, to locate Fairburn specimens. Prices vary by quality. Factors that contribute to quality include size (bigger is better), brightness of color (black and orange most desirable), number of bands (more is more valuable), shape of the holly pattern and whether or not it is an artifact. The Indian tribes of the region, like the Lakota, often used stones, including agates, as flintknapping or hunting tools. Finding a Fairburn that was used as an artifact doubles the value of the specimen.
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Tips & Warnings
Research Fairburn agates prior to starting a collection. There is often confusion determining the difference between a Fairburn and a Tepee Canyon agate, as the banding is much the same.
Consider natural dangers. Rattlesnakes are common near Fairburn. If you are out in nature, traipsing through woods, prairie and near waterways, be sure to wear high rubber boots just in case you disturb a snake.
