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Tips for Agate Hunting Around Minnesota

9/24/2018

 
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Thomas Disselkamp joined St. Paul, Minnesota’s 3M Company in 1981, where he continues to serve the applied sciences company as a product development specialist. When he is not leading project teams and reviewing engineering drawings at 3M Company, Thomas “Tom” Disselkamp maintains a wide range of interests, from playing tennis to agate hunting.

For Minnesota-based agate hunters, no collection would appear complete without the presence of a Lake Superior agate, the state’s official gem. Fortunately, several tips can help agate collectors narrow down their search for this attractive stone. Finding fertile agate hunting grounds is, of course, the first step to take. In Minnesota, popular locations include the beaches of Grand Marais and Grand Portage. However, collectors must remember to observe all local regulations. Agates in Sugarloaf Cove, for example, can only be observed and recorded.

It should be noted that not all agates are found on beaches. Due to glacial movements and human activities, agates can be found almost anywhere rocks have been deposited. While Minnesota residents are best served to hunt for agates in the Lake Superior area, searching gravel pits, dirt roads, or paths can also prove to be effective.

Once a collector has found a suitable location, they must know exactly what to look for. Simple tips for differentiating agates from other rocks include wetting the stone to emphasize translucency, banding, and the trademark glossy, waxy appearance. It can also be helpful to research the various categories agates can fall into, such as water level agates and fortification agates.

Lastly, collectors must remember to dig deep enough to find what they are looking for. When hunting on a beach, agates are often embedded several inches below the sand. With this in mind, collectors should make sure to take advantage of any storm that hits the Lake Superior region. Following a big storm, agates are often unearthed or carried from the water onto the shore, making them easier to detect

Hunting Agates in Minnesota

8/2/2018

 
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As a product development specialist at 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, since 1981, Thomas (Tom) Allen Disselkamp has overseen the creation of a diverse range of optical and electrical systems, in the process earning honors such as the Quality Achievement Award. In his leisure time, Thomas Disselkamp enjoys hunting agates.

Minnesota offers an endless variety of places for agate hunters to search out the state gem known as the Lake Superior agate, which often has orange or red hues due to iron along with contrasting white stripes. These agates range in size from tiny pebbles to larger rocks as big as a bowling ball. Lake Superior agates are semi-translucent, which is more easily seen when one is held up to a light.

Some of the best locations for discovering agates include beaches, rivers, and anywhere else you can see exposed gravel, such as a construction site or a dirt road. If hunting the gems on private property make sure to obtain permission first, but you may have some of your best luck on such sites where fewer people think to look, such as a small commercial gravel pit.

Utah National Parks

12/13/2017

 

4 Lesser Known New Zealand Attractions

8/4/2017

 
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Thomas Allen Disselkamp, product development specialist at the 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, enjoys traveling both throughout the United States and abroad. When not attending to his professional duties, Tom Disselkamp has enjoyed visiting New Zealand, which, to many, has some of the most stunning natural beauty on the planet. As tourism grows, here are four places that aren't as commonly mentioned:

1. Jackson Bay, South Island – This authentic fishing village seems to have more fur seals and penguins than actual residents. While it's a 30 mile trek to reach this outpost, a nice cup of coffee and an unrivaled view of the southern Alps await those with patience. 

2. King's Country, North Island – Known for it's glow worm caves, this area is still very sparsely populated, despite any tourist draw. Offering waterfalls, orca viewings and the very endangered Maui Dolphin, this is the perfect location for animal lovers. 

3. Mount Maunganui, North Island – A paradise for surfers, this is also the place to come for dolphin sightings, hot springs, and scuba diving. It's the perfect place for those who love all things outdoors. 

4. Arrowtown, South Island – For those looking for a break from breathtaking views and long hikes, Arrowtown is a historic gold mining town. Today, it offers leisurely strolls of shops, restaurants, and several cafes.

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    Thomas Disselkamp has worked for 3M Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, for more than 30 years.

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