A New Discovery
In February 2023, we acquired a small quantity of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate from the William Johnson Claim, situated near Barstow, California.
This moss agate was discovered by William’s wife, Janna, during a walk in an area not previously recognized for high-quality moss agate. Janna intended to photograph a barrel cactus; upon finding one, she observed agate in the vicinity and subsequently identified some fine moss agate. This location would later become the site of their initial claim, the Barrel Cactus claim, along with their adjacent claim, named Janna’s Gem claim.
Where to Get This Beautiful Agate
At the time of this publication, William and his wife, Janna, exclusively offered this moss agate through their Facebook page, “Moss Agate from the Barrel Cactus claim.” I would like to express that it was a pleasure to conduct business with William. He made my initial purchase a positive experience and went above and beyond to ensure my complete satisfaction. The agate was offered at a fair price, and I was able to purchase some remaining premium material, which was priced at twice the cost of the standard moss agate. The shipment arrived promptly, and I was pleased to find that the package contained more agate than I had ordered.
Our Initial Observations
Upon initial assessment, the Barrel Cactus Moss Agate presented an unremarkable appearance. The presence of only subtle surface patterns suggested an ordinary stone, easily overlooked. However, a more thorough examination, achieved through wetting the rock and exposing it to sunlight, revealed an array of striking moss agate formations that had previously remained undetected. The material exhibits a high degree of variability, thereby rendering the cutting process a particularly engaging prospect. The initial order procured several exceptional specimens. Although premium and standard pieces were requested, the substantial quantity of high-quality material made it difficult to distinguish between the designated “premium” selections and standard ones.
While one face-cut piece is undeniably exceptional, several others are anticipated to yield equally beautiful results upon cutting. The pieces featuring white agate inclusions were particularly favored. Furthermore, some specimens present a considerable challenge in their differentiation from Maury Mountain Moss Agate. To observe the captivating slabs crafted from this exquisite material, please Click here.
