Urban rockhounding

I returned from a short trip to central Michigan and found some treasures! I had originally plotted out a few locations on the beaches based on some research prior to the trip. The rental car was a little iffy on the 2 1/2 hour drive from the airport, so I was hesitant about making the couple-hour trip on my own for fear of an engine mishap.

So, just out of curiosity, I decided to have a look around the casino. They had tons and tons of landscaping rocks of all kinds everywhere, so off I went. It didn't take long before I started finding some really cool agates. I could not believe my fortune. They were often hidden within the boring light brown rocks (even though I was initially distracted by the very colorful jasper and limestone in front of the casino). The first hunt went well, and then I found the jackpot in a row of very nice-smelling trees that lined one of the sidewalks.

Tilia cordata, the small-leaved lime or small-leaved linden

I got really good at spotting them, and they seemed to get nicer and nicer as I went. I learned what to look for: the lumpy potato, maybe a little shiny, usually with some limonite staining. Some of the lighter-colored pieces have some nice quartz and even looked like they had a hint of blue. I focused on the potatoes, and then there were the twisty, windy ones that didn't look like much but turned out to be ribbons of fortification banding. Looking even closer, I saw some sparkly white or yellow druzy. They reminded me of Crowly Ridge agates I'd seen online. I think those are normally from AR to LA. As far as I know, these rocks could have come from anywhere.

I left with my pockets full. I'm sure I attracted some attention as everyone went inside in the 90-plus-degree heat to empty their pockets for the slot machines. I couldn't help but feel like I had won the jackpot.

First pictures after a quick rinse

I've gotten them home now and finished soaking them in CLR and citric acid for a few days. They've turned out very nice so far. I may have to dig out the tumblers and get a batch going again.