Description
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate originates from the Barrel Cactus claim located near Barstow, California, owned by William Johnson. We acquired several rocks directly from the claim owner, including both regular grade and premium grade. Due to the considerable variability in this agate, with some being premium and others not, we have decided to describe each rock individually.
Rock Number 1
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #1 shown dry
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #1 shown wet
Once we moistened this rock, it became apparent that it had the potential to be visually striking on the inside. We were not disappointed, and upon cutting it, it became evident that it was premium agate. Here are a few slabs we cut from this rock.
Slab of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #1
Slab of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #1
Slab of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #1
Slab of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #1
Slab of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #1
Slab of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #1
Slab of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #1
Slab of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #1
Close-up of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #1
Close-up of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #1
Close-up of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #1
Rock Number 2
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate. We were fortunate to receive this face-cut stunner (shown wet)
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate, rock #2 (shown dry) on the uncut side
This one was no surprise to us because it was already faced. Although the face was quite large, the rock measured only approximately 2 inches in thickness. In order to properly secure the rock in the saw, we had to alter the cutting direction. This can sometimes significantly alter the appearance of moss agate. Fortunately, we were not disappointed. There were numerous vugs present in the rock; however, upon cleaning, we discovered that they were lined with beautiful druzy crystals. Here are a few of the slabs we were able to cut from rock #2.
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #2
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #2
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #2
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #2
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #2
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #2
Close-up of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #2
Close-up of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #2
Close-up of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #2
Close-up of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #2
Close-up of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #2
Close-up of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #2
Rock Number 3
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #3 shown dry
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #3 shown wet
Rock #3 was the only one that did not meet our expectations. We opted to cut only a limited number of slabs, as we did not want to devote excessive time to it. The rock exhibited a degree of porosity, which suggested that it would not yield a satisfactory polish. Nevertheless, certain areas within the rock showed promise and may polish well; we may choose to reorient the end cuts to assess their potential. These are some of the slabs.
Slab of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #3
Slab of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #3
Slab of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #3
Slab of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #3
Close-up of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #3
Close-up of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #3
Close-up of Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #3
Rock Number 4
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate. Wow!
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #4 shown dry
The exposed area on rock #4 provided a hint that there might be something of value inside. After slabbing the rock, we discovered that each slab was hard and solid, exhibiting attractive mossy patterns. The only drawback was that they were somewhat dark in color. The patterns and colors were remarkably consistent throughout the rock. All the slabs from rock #4 are very similar.
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #4
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #4
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #4
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #4
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #4
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #4
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #4 close-up
Rock Number 5
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate. Nice mossy patterns in this one.
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #5 (shown dry)
The unique shape of this rock presented significant challenges. A notable area on the rock provided insight into optimal orientation for maximum aesthetic appeal.
Despite efforts to secure the rock in the saw, utilizing various wedges, we encountered difficulties. Ultimately, reorienting the rock to a more stable position enabled successful cutting.
The rock exhibited promising areas, but a substantial section proved too soft for polishing. Furthermore, noticeable micro-pitting, similar to that observed in rock #3, was present.
After cutting several slabs, attempts to reorient the rock yielded minimal improvement. The soft area expanded, and the desirable area initially observed on the exterior measured only 1/4 inch in thickness, located on the far side of the soft area.
Examples of the slabs cut from rock #5 are presented below.
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #5
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #5
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #5
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #5
Rock Number 6
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #6 shown dry
We weren’t sure exactly what we were going to see when we cut this one. The top had deep holes and was very rough.
The bottom, when wet, showed some nice mossy patterns however it was difficult to see how the rock should best be oriented when cut.
Once cut, we could see there were a lot of small soft areas and the slabs were very dark. There were areas that appeared to have quartz or chalcedony in them but those areas were very soft.
Overall this rock was a little bit of a disappointment.
Here’s what some of the slabs looked like.
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #6
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #6
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #6
Rock Number 7
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate. There’s some real potential hiding here.
Cactus Barrel Moss Agate rock #7 shown dry
This rock was another mystery until we cut it. Even wet there were few indicators telling us what this rock might look like on the inside.
Although the rock was small, it was absolutely gorgeous inside. We would have been very happy if every rock in our order looked like this one.
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #7
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #7
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #7
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #7
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #7
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #7
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #7 close-up
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #7 close-up
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #7 close-up
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #7 close-up
Barrel Cactus Moss Agate rock #7 close-up
Summing It Up
Overall we are quite pleased with our purchase. Three out of the seven rock were a disappointment however the other four more than made up for it.
We would definitely recommend purchasing the premium Cactus Barrel Moss Agate and maybe purchasing a few pounds of the standard grade just to see if you can find any surprise treasures.
