Man finds 48-pound agate

Photo Buck Henderson by Larry Coonrod

We have been waiting to see this agate, it is now featured in the Newport News Times. Buck Henderson is pictured with some of the agates he’s collected near Yachats. He found the large rough agate on the right in December. It weighs 48 pounds. The stone on the left is a 15-pound black agate. Both will be on display at the Yachats Agate Festival Jan. 21-22.

Editorial notes: Posted: Friday, Jan 13th, 2012 BY: Larry Coonrod For the complete article see the Newport News Times 01-13-2012 issue.

High Surf Advisory for the Oregon Coast

 Video of Jen shows why you don't turn your back on the Ocean while looking for Agates, 

she was just lucky to be able to get up and walk away to safety!

Updates - Dec. 23, 2011 A high surf advisory continues this afternoon, evening and through 4pm Saturday afternoon.  From the above picture it’s extremely smart to not even get close to all that wave energy. There’s not a safe rock out there to watch from unless from a state park overlook where the waves can’t get to you. Sneaker waves are likely to be abundant. - This is NOT the time to be Beach combing On The Oregon Coast!  Wait for the advisory to be lifted, let the sea settle down for a day or two.  Here you can safely watch the stormy sea in the comfort of your warm home - watch for view #2 of our web cameras.

IMPACTS: IT IS DANGEROUS TO VENTURE NEAR THE WATER UNDER HIGH SURF CONDITIONS. PEOPLE HAVE DROWNED AFTER BEING SWEPT WAY FROM ROCKS AND JETTIES WHILE OBSERVING HIGH SURF…OR AFTER BEING KNOCKED DOWN BY LOGS AND OTHER DEBRIS.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED THIS HIGH SURF ADVISORY

Watch those waves! (added 12-06-11)
"The Friday after Thanksgiving was gorgeous —mostly clear skies, warm temperatures and, for many, the desire to get out of the house after being cooped up the rainy and windy day before.

Unaware — or maybe just not concerned — that there was a high surf warning issued by the National Weather Service, people flocked to the South Jetty. We went down there with the idea of watching the waves from the car, but seeing so many people — I counted 80 at one point — drew us onto the beach as well.

People were jumping waves, playing in the beach foam and looking for agates. A huge log was being lifted by the surf, which, every seventh wave or so, was rushing up the beach, sending people scattering for dry sand.

I watched the log and the people standing directly behind it, one of them crouched down looking for agates, wondering if I should warn them of the danger.

What I need to know is what part of “high surf warning” do these people not understand? And yet I was there too. Seems I’ve also forgotten years ago when I first moved here being trapped under a huge log, losing my glasses, camera and shoes when a wave came over us in a cave near Face Rock.

Friday, I cringed every time the ocean came and moved the log, but thankfully, no one was trapped or caught by a sneaker wave.

But I urge all beach-goers to be aware of the tides, check the NWS before you go to the beach and use extreme caution. The ocean is beautiful and deceptively serene, yet potentially deadly."

Editorial note: As quoted from a Bandon Western World reader.

Lucky Beachcomber finds Enhydro agatized Snail...

Cheri a lucky local resident found this 1+" agatized snail with a water bubble a.k.a. as an enhydro agate along with her other treasures that you see her while beach combing here on the Central Oregon Coast.

Weather to bring on the beachcombing event...

Yesterdays weather of strong winds should have scoured our beaches to bring on some excellent beachcombing.  We are all looking forward to those great gravel bars we get her in the Newport area for those agates glistening among the gravel.  We have photos that need to be downloaded to show you some of the trophies our guest have come up with.  Will try and get them up shortly.

Welcome home to Oregon's Fossil Guy!

It is once again time for the beaches to uncover the gravel for beach combing on the Oregon coast and Guy is home on business for a short visit looking for spots to explore.  Hope the sands wash away soon for a successful hunt.  Happy hunting to all of our beachcombers out there.  We will add more as time permits.

FACETS Gem & Mineral Gallery has a new owner!

Our New Pocket Guide Oregon Under Foot

This has been a very busy last four months so I apologize for not keeping the blog updated lately.  There have been many things to add, I just haven't had an opportunity to get some spare time lately.

Still a locally owned and operated business with the help of a wonderful, knowledgeable staff,we hope to see you in the show room again.

We would all like to thank Richard, as he is happily retired to Post Falls, Idaho. We are all happy and the customers are once again happy!

Large Trophy Fancy Jasper Found

Recently lucky Ruby of Seattle, Washington found this 1¾ pound fancy jasp-agate while vacationing here on the Oregon coast while beachcombing in the north county.

Sorry I haven't had time to get this updated lately, there have been lots of changes here at the Gallery.  More to tell later as time permits...