When cut and polished, agates are extremely colorful and smooth, but the natural agates that rock hunters find on the beach don't look as pretty. Light penetrates into the quartz-like surface, producing a soft glow. Agates appear red, brown and orange in color. Agates are covered by a thin layer that hides the banding, but most beach agates are weathered enough so the bands are visible. Most agates are no larger than three inches in diameter.
Agates feel heavier than other stones of the same size.
You will spend hours looking and bending over for the perfect rock. Bring a container so you can carry your agates home and show them off to your friends. You will see signs marking the route to the beach. McLain State Park-about 10 miles north of Hancock on Highway 203. W.C. Veale Park has a great agate beach.