Agate Bibliography Index by Topic

Introduction

The Agate Bibliography by Topic includes many of the papers that were considered before the publication of Banded Agates: Origins and Inclusions (Pabian and Zarins, 1994). Most of the papers listed therein represent scientific, historic, and popular subjects that deal with agate, jasper, opal, and many other amorphous, crypto-crystalline and micro-crystalline forms of silicon dioxide. There are also papers that deal with the technical aspects of lapidary work as these give the cutter the opportunity to maximize the potential of any piece of rough gem material. Some papers listed herein are excellent references and others are of questionable value. All works, good or bad, are equal in an index

Major headings, country, state, region, etc., are followed by a plus sign, +, to aid ones search. For example, if one wished to search the state of Texas, one should search for Texas+, as Texas without the plus sign shows over one hundred times before reaching Texas+ in the index.

Each user will probably develop his or her own method of navigation when using this index. There is no prescribed formula. Keep in mind that only the papers I know about are actually listed herein. There are many papers of which I am ignorant and those will not appear until they come to my attention.

Only papers that have been published in journals or books that have been printed for general circulation are included in the index. Items that have appeared in club bulletins or newsletters that were made for membership and limited exchange only are not included. Items that have appeared in confidential reports for private businesses (mining, etc.) are not included as these, even when released to the public, are generally not available to the public.

The index is more complete through the year 1993. Few journal articles have been searched since that time but I have attempted to include the more important key or pivotal papers that have been published since then.

Almost all of the papers included in this index and accompanying bibliography can be accessed in either a university or public library. Even if your library does not have the journal that contains any given paper, a copy of the paper can usually be obtained through interlibrary loan. Your librarian can help you locate almost any paper listed in the index or bibliography.