“No two snowflakes are exactly alike, nor are any two leaves, but this fact is never more apparent than when seeing the splendor of agates. Agates are more popular now than they have ever been, and Michael Carlson’s spectacular new book shows us why”.
June Culp Zeitner / Special Assistant Editor of Lapidary Journal

"Michael Carlson has placed before us a magnificent work, "The Beauty of Banded Agates." This work is a superb presentation of world-class agates, which are spectacularly photographed with great precision and sensitivity. Its publication establishes a major landmark in the field of agate collecting and preservation." -- Brad L. Cross / Author- "The Agates of Northern Mexico"

“The book is visually stunning” - Scott Wolter / Author- "The Lake Superior Agate"

“If you love colorful agates, you’ll love "The Beauty of Banded Agates". Every collector should have a copy of this really fine effort. The guiding principle of beauty and aesthetics was right on!” - Bob Jones / Rock & Gem

“The book is just plain spectacular! It really is a work of art demonstrating the beauty of agates” - Roger Clark / Author- "Fairburn Agate – Gem of South Dakota"

“Superb…I have been waiting and dreaming about a book like this on agates for a long time. I am sure your book will remain a long-term benchmark for collectors and authors on this vast subject of agates.” - John Wiseman / Canadian Agate Collector

“Awesome…the best agate book I’ve ever looked at” - Karen Brzys / Gitche Gumee Agate and History Museum, Grand Marais, Michigan

“Gorgeous…one of the best investments I’ve ever made in a book… after getting the book, I felt like I wanted to sell my house, go live in a tent, and just buy banded agates!!! That might have been a slight exaggeration!!!” Aloha. - Carol Ann Ellett / rock collector in Hawaii

“We couldn’t put it down…astoundingly beautiful….it sets a new standard” - Bob and Vi Streed / Agate collectors in Twin Cities

“I was turning the pages open-mouthed! I have been waiting 30 years for a book like this.” - Nick Short / UK Agate collector

“The book is absolutely world class and artistically powerful. The photography and choice of agates is tremendous…the finest book about agates ever produced.” - John Marshall / Author- "The 'Other' Lake Superior Agates"

“Magnificent…the best agate book I have ever seen. I was amazed by the beauty of the agates which you have pictured." -Mark Boche / www.superagates.com & former Dryhead agate claim owner

"Gorgeous...the quality of these superb specimens is matched by the outstanding photography."
Steve Wheeler / Texas agate collector

"I was very impressed with the overall quality of the publication. The specimens and photos are top-notch... I can't imagine anyone not being excited about agates after reading your book.”
Doug Moore / Wisconsin agate collector

“Great work!!!!!!!! Wonderful photography. Thanks. Just finished reading it. Great addition to my fortification agate library!!!!!!!”
Wayne Shortridge / Fairburn collector

“I have recently purchased a copy of your splendid book on banded agates. Really good photography and superb specimens…congratulations”
Nick Crawford / Scottish agate collector

“It is a beautiful, well-written book - it is inspiring me to want to make jewelry, see more agate, learn more. Over all just a great book. Thanks for producing it.” Gloria Hoover / Nature's Emporium

“I saw the book at the QIA show…everyone was oohing and ahhing….I give it Five Stars.” Dale “Dawk” Mcfarlane / agate collector

"Great job! I think that you achieved an excellent over-all introduction to agates, with great info, interesting stories, and wonderful pictures. Production quality is top notch. A must have for any rock collector! Nothing like it has been done before!" Todd Harvey / Minnesota agate collector

"Hello from Japan- I have received the "Banded Agates" book, and am very excited to see the beautiful agates!! This is a great book. Thank you."
Hideharu Yamada / Tokyo collector

"If I'm having a bad day, I'll just look at the pictures in your wonderful book, and it certainly improves my attitude!" M & M Agates / Midwest agate dealer

"We are all in love with your book. It is truly a beautiful edition!" The Gem Shop / Cedarburg, WI

."This book should be the agate collector's reference guide--the same status as the Sear's Christmas catalog when I was growing up. You can be mighty proud of the book--you put your name in agate history." Keith Smith / Missouri agate collector.