Cutting Lightning Stones open | These Septarian Nodules rock!

[@heatherlofton2126]

@agatedad I wanted to give a little more info on Lake Michigan lightning stones. I'm no expert but everything I've read on them say that yes, they are a type of septarian, but they are a unique type only found in a particular stretch of Lake Michigan on Michigan's west/southwest shoreline. Something about the mineral content, there are no other septarians like them anywhere else in the world. Also, it was native Americans who first called them "lightning stones." Just a little extra history. 😊

[@AgateDad]

Thank you for the history!!

[@kathynj6479]

That's so interesting! Thank you!

[@CharlieOkeson]

Cool. ✌️

[@Pancreaticdefect]

I live in SW Michigan and I can confirm that you can find these things all over the beaches here. Never knew they were unique to the region though. Pretty cool. Maybe I'll pay a little more attention to them in the future.

[@stevengibson5379]

There are other types of septarians as well that can be formed thru volcanic eruptions called septarian nodules, they will sometimes form with big deep druzy and crystalline structures that are really amazing. Usually formed with yellow calcite marbled thru with a brown to black colored host rock. Beautiful stuff

[@ondrea3000]

These are one of the few rocks I'd rather tumble and polish than cut. They are so neat looking when polished smooth!

[@kathypriest95]

I started thinking about custom table, desk inlays

[@judyjones2727]

I am so addicted to watching you cut all these different stones. I really like these

[@AgateDad]

Glad you like them!

[@seasmacfarlane6418]

I'm certain you're doing that cutting safely but my heart was in my mouth the nearer your fingers got to that blade!

[@rosalindagoleb4345]

My thoughts exactly! It's fascinating for sure! ....but I'm most glad he has all his fingers!

[@nrgbunni.]

Same

[@uskok4636]

Yep gave me anxiety

[@erasamus1057]

these type of saws cut more by grinding than cutting in the typical saw blade or serrated knife sense, a brief touch doesn't even always hurt, to me, not like you could try to grab it but still

[@221b-Maker-Street]

Haha, me too - yikes!

[@WhatWouldChuckNorrisDo]

I like the one that fractured off, it kinda looks like a mountain silhouette with streams of snow coming down, like when it first starts snowing and the snow settles in the low parts and the high parts aren't covered yet

[@lynnerodgers4461]

I agree. It gave it more personality.

[@johannageisel5390]

I would probably take the little pieces and polish them. There should be a bit of the crystal layer right at the breaking surface.

[@bastionbrom8927]

I just stumbled across this video. The joy this rock nerd has when slicing these open is refreshing. We should all have something in our lives that gets us that giddy.

[@AgateDad]

Bingo

[@StephanieKoehn]

I am so jealous of you! I love what you're doing! I found your videos yesterday. I love rocks! I have a bucket full that I have carried around for years. I'm 65 and was thinking about getting a tumbler for my rocks. Cutting them in half is so cool! Just beautiful! I'm afraid I would be scared of the saw.lol

[@_Cloun]

Your excitement and enthusiasm when you cut a cool rock is so infectious and adorable! I love when people are pumped about something 🎉

[@whathappenedtofreethinking6902]

Your enthusiasm and the joy you get from this is contagious. I’m here rooting for you on every cut! I may have found a new hobby as well.

[@crimsonwyf]

Beautiful stones! I'd love to see these under UV light!

[@TracySenna]

2 halves of a whole. These would make beautiful wedding gifts.

[@kellym.9453]

Only a small percentage of rocks live as exciting lives as the ones you're sharing with us! They know that they're 🍀

[@MrDADZILLA83]

13:46 looks like some ancient Japanese panel paintings about a storm god. That one left me amazed

[@homemadejade4181]

My boys (5 & 7) absolutely love watching your videos! Thanks for making them! You’re an inspiration to them.

[@AgateDad]

That makes me smile, please tell them I said hey and that they rock!!

[@gerardahearn-ps1cx]

You could make tiles out of them. For counter tops or bathroom. That would be really cool.

[@justjulee9135]

Those lightning stones were beautiful! Here's another little quote for you...nothing ventured, nothing gained! You always do an exceptional job with all of your videos!

[@AgateDad]

Very good quote ❤️

[@MaryEllis-jg4er]

It wasn't as fun as the great lake agates. These don't have the eye popping colors or swirls. It was fun experiencing it with you, all the same. 😊

[@AgateDad]

Sorry to hear that

[@annettewurst704]

I love that you don't look first. Your excitement just adds so much more to your videos! I'm really enjoying them! Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@zakkaryzoah1386]

Those stones would be perfect in a mosaic! Thanks for posting the vid.

[@RockinGrandma]

Septarian are even more fun under black light

[@CharlieOkeson]

I would totally paint a little house on that last one, cuz it looks like a single lightning strike up in the sky . Thanks for sharing ✌️

[@E.o.t.4637]

Don't be sad! I really like the one that had the broken pieces. Seriously! It's a learning specimen. I love it and it's still one of a kind!

[@AgateDad]

That’s true, I didn’t think about it like that

[@seekingtruthlight]

I am fascinated by rocks. This was so interesting! It is obvious you know what you're doing but, couldn't help getting nervous the closer your fingers got to that saw 😮😊

[@barneyfife-bz4qk]

If you cut slabs , the picture changes a little with each slab . The on you cut open and you didn't see any kind of beautiful lightning designs , cut closer to the end where you see the design on the outside. I used to make jewelry back in the eighties and nineties . My Father taught me how to do it. sadly I don't have that equipment to do it , it's expensive equipment. I miss doing it .

[@tymesho]

Some of the fancy ones look like deer and natives dancing in a field? GOTTA have one uncut!

[@sarahross3785]

So Awesome! That one with the square in it resembles the water sitting in the grooves of your machine! Thanks for sharing your awesomeness!

[@maryschenk4385]

HEY LOVE IT. ROCKS ARE MY FAVORITE. SOME OF THEM COULD BE COME BUTTERFLIES

[@jmfowkes466]

Northern Mudlarks sent me here. So glad they did. Long time rock lover, first time viewer. Keep up the good work!

[@AgateDad]

They’re amazing ❤️

[@kimberlyplyler9807]

I have a septarian palm stone that I'm absolutely in love with. These came out amazing!

[@majdyburaihi7187]

I never expect that 😍. It's literally pictured lightning stone when it cut professionally like you did. Thanks a million and please keep providing us with these heavenly doses 🙏

[@dinashufaniya3921]

Your love for the stones is so moving. I could feel the sense of awe you feel for their beauty, and the respect you have for Nature, even in the things people would not pay attention to, that would pass just as "stones". You search for beauty within things, and look for it, being sure you'll find it, as there's beauty in everything, even when U have to dig deep. Thank U for this attitude, and the inspiring video. Beauty is always there.❤

[@lindawiedemann5014]

First I've heard of lightning stones. They are so cool! Especially that smaller round...omg, so beautiful! Thanks for sharing:)

[@christinegerard4974]

I love those dark grey with « nothing ».They are fascinating.

[@harrychapin808]

Those stones are so FREAKIN' BEAUTIFUL!!

[@AgateDad]

🙌

[@karencourtney-smith3587]

I really liked the Slab you cut!!

[@helenak.5762]

That deserves two thumbs up ❗👍👍

[@AgateDad]

Thanks!

[@kathypriest95]

Lol! First time viewer. The suspense was so cute. Darn you😄 I loved this when I was a kid. And still. Thanks

[@michaelelliott635]

I've got buckets of these from my local beach here along Lake Michigan. One of my favorites to cut and polish. Rock on.

[@MimmyKat]

We’ve only been to MI once and it was years ago. We’re hoping for a return trip in the next year or so. Are there any specific areas/beaches that you’d recommend for us to see be able to see those stones? Thank You!

[@gregderksen1996]

yes, even petrified mud can turn out beautifully. lol!

[@AgateDad]

🤣

[@MimmyKat]

Well said!

[@karenhamon2036]

I kinda like the rough edge......it gives it character.

[@s.g.8010]

Live and learn. Thank you for sharing your beautiful art pieces. Keep up the enthusiastic work. We are counting on you.💥💜💥

[@AgateDad]

Absolutely! Thanks for joining us!

[@staciebernardoni2678]

The 1st of the midsized stones looks 2 busts face to face. I'm in love with these naturals.

[@joymelton-bollen6383]

I get just as excited, as if these were my own rocks!!! I'm Cherokee, so Mother & Father Earth, are EVERYTHING! I'm on the edge with cutting up nature, but my naughty side wants to see the INSIDE, TOO!!! LOL Love your channel!

[@faragraf9380]

i like them not cutted. they are pretty just they are.

[@ladyofwildrose]

Love them!! Love your reactions of excitement to them! Wonderful!! 😊😊😊I was introduced to the septarian stone in a dream 9 years ago. I was about to make an ancestral pilgramage journey to my homeland of Wales, England and Ireland. In a dream I saw the three maidens - maiden, mother and matriarch. The mother was standing before a mirror in my living room in the dream and brushing a little girls hair. As I watched them, they came together and stood and faced me, smiling, I was shocked to see they each had a septarian stone for their left eye! They had a very peaceful, gentle energy. Part of my ancestory are the Vikings from Iceland where some of my ancestors ruled for thousands of years. I had to research what I had seen in my dream and discovered the septarian stone. I have a friend on one of the Gulf Islands where I was living then and she happened to be selling a beautiful pair of septarian stones which of course I purchased immediately. I would like to note that the little girl was about 7, the mother looked to be in her 20's and the matriarch in her late 30's - early 40's...not at all the old crone or middle age woman we always see and older daughter. I love too that they are known as lightening stones as that is one of my favorite elements. Thank you so much for sharing your discoveries with us - from Canada's west coast!

[@gaylemg]

I love your story - thanks for sharing. I also have powerful dreams like these and love when I hear others talking about theirs ❤

[@mdolanot]

My first time to watch anyone using a lapidary saw. I was afraid for your finger tips. Soooo cool. I also love how you video, so interesting.

[@AgateDad]

No need to worry ☺️

[@psum6537]

This came to my recommended videos. I took the bait, and learned something! Thanks. I bet those would make a most unique, beautiful kitchen backsplash

[@AgateDad]

That would be cool!

[@elizabethlewis3509]

The broken lightning stone looks like mountain peaks to me so I would flatten the bottom to display. Never say never to rock art.

[@bob_frazier]

I see the portrait of a black bear at 2:25 on the right half. See it?

[@kathynj6479]

@bob_frazier oh, yes! I do! Thanks for sharing your observation!

[@robertajay9053]

They’re beautiful! Love those colors & patterns. They look like they belong on a countertop.

[@sandmaker]

Lots of fun and full of suprises. Both good and bad. You didn't ruin anything... it's still a rock. Keep the goodness coming. 😊 love the tick!

[@lorenrobertson8039]

You have the best fun in life! Not sure if this is your hobby or your "job", but it's awesome! Thank you for sharing your journey with us!

[@millenialsmom2214]

Some of them remind me of butterfly wings when you open them and they're side by side. Cool 😎

[@AgateDad]

Totally!

[@MimmyKat]

I thought the same thing! I would definitely display them like that.

[@dyannejohnson6184]

I’m enjoying all the cuts …all breath taking but some make you hold you breath!

[@rosett3487]

The pieces that fell off make the piece look like a mountain range.

[@EllaEllaEh]

I want to be as excited about something as this guy is about lines in rocks.

[@AgateDad]

Find it ❤️

[@sandraabshire4923]

I have a box of septarians I’ve found in west Michigan and always wondered if the calcite went all the way through! Thanks for the video!

[@dawnminard218]

I'm speechless wowzers that is so pretty I didn't know what a lightning Stone was thanks for sharing that because that is beautiful

[@AgateDad]

Subscribe to help support our channel ❤

[@theducklinghomesteadandgar6639]

I live in the mid south and I've never seen stones like that!! They're gorgeous and so cool, both inside and out!!! Thank you for sharing that with us. I think the one that fractured can still make a cool piece, maybe only looking at the outside layer. or both sides.... but mount it on a plague or stand made with, clear plexi-glass or similar see through material, that has a plate , so a back to lean against and a "floor" to sit it on at the bottom of it, at least 2 times wider than the rock itself, and with the outside face showing.... and place the pieces that broke off on the shelf in front of the rock face. Then place that on a swiveling block with a changing or not changing LED light shining up through the "glass" to illuminate the stone from below. One could make the stand completely enclosing the stone and pieces and then either with fiber optics or cut points within the "glass" to cause the light to reflect a little differently at each point to make it appear like the stones are floating in space with stars showing brighter all around it., or stars showing in the "background" of a mountain range. I'm sure there is likely some easier way to make it appear something like that. From the front to me the breaks look like a jagged mountain top within a mountain range where it broke up and there was a rock slide and now those rocks are at the foot of the mountain. Anyway. IF you have it against or inside something clear then people could still look at both sides. You could probably mount the stone pebbles in a way to see most sides of each one if not all sides of each one. maybe drill tiny holes and thread with fishing line or tie fishing line around the stones and add a tiny bit of super glue and hang them low in front of the rock, with the knotted string sticking out of the top with a bead or stem like ornament on it's end and is knotted just below the "glass" and then strung with an ornament or charm leaving just enough slack to raise them up a bit and allow for rolling/turning of the string between fingertips to get the stones to spin a little so one can look at most sides without touching and giving no opportunity for five finger discounts unless you authorize for an interested child!!

[@falseteethrealtarotAllRocks]

Whoa Brother!!! That’s crazy!!! In the service, My Dad was hit by lightning (twice) A few years later He was hit again… Makes Me Wonder 💭 4tru… Hmmm lol Maybe that’s why He had 9 of Us Kids… A few months ago He went beyond The Veil, He would of been 94 Dec 31st… I don’t always comment, I do love Your work My Friend… Ohhh loved the stones…

[@quantumsneak1773]

Do 3mm slices Like when they cut up brains

[@lilymcalister1825]

Where is tge "AWESOME" button?? Cuz this video is...AWESOME!! Great finds!!

[@kathleenloverso5654]

I have a hard time watching with your finger so close to that wet saw ! 🫣 but, can’t look away.. beautiful stones ! 🤩

[@rickhill9084]

Taylor, these are probably some of the coolest that I've saw you cut. Could sell them as gems, I would think. Very pretty. Great job Taylor.

[@AgateDad]

Thanks Rick!

[@veronicamoore3777]

You have mastered your technique of making videos. I thoroughly enjoy them. Thank you!😊

[@AgateDad]

You’re so kind! ❤️❤️❤️

[@debbieflaherty1975]

That first stone’s markings look like Kokapellis dancing!!

[@largent45]

Wow! Those lightning stones turned out fantastic. They are really very beautiful, whether cut or uncut. So unique and they very much look like lightning in a stone. They are also uv reactive. The calcite is i should say. I cant wait to see you polish them. They look awesome polished. Im sorry that big one broke on you. But you can always cut the other side with a off center cut on it, so it doesnt get thin on that side but cuts closer to the lightning on that top side. Anyways, they all are fabulous. Thanks for sharing your beautiful lightning stones.

[@berjo77]

I had my strong suspicions, so nice I was right! Amazing!

[@kristensmagicalcreations]

This is Absolutely incredible! I just found your channel this morning. I can hardly wait to check out your other videos! My daughter and I love this stuff!

[@AgateDad]

Thanks! 🙌

[@aydincolak8727]

The last one was the most beautiful one.

[@rinalarue3021]

It's amazing just thinking about how much history is in those beauties. You can only imagine how each of them were formed and what they date back to...

[@Eremon1]

Dragon stone is another name for Septarian nodules. They can be quite beautiful. Cheers.

[@rodneylove8023]

In everything we do, there is never any guarantee. But on the positive side, you do have some real keepers there. In every region of my state of Michigan there seems to be "their stone " sw Michigan lays claim to that one.

[@VecchieMoneteRare]

So much beautiful stones .my compliments

[@antr7493]

9:09 Awesome

[@patriciamckean4186]

I would have never thought about cutting lightning stones. Those are beautiful. My favorite is the 1 that looks like bloodshot eyes!

[@meg2831]

Those are really cool! I've never seen rocks like those before.

[@AgateDad]

They’re super cool 😎

[@johnprentice1527]

Beautiful stones; thanks. And thanks to the person who sent them to you.

[@Christine-we6ei]

The stones were so beautiful before they were sawn apart. What they hid inside could have been a beautiful hidden secret for all time.

[@lordnikonoriginal]

The "awkard" piece - 2nd to last, looks like a sonogram.🤯🤯🤯

[@406findings]

We got septarian nadules here in Montana and I have got some cool celestite and barite crystals from the inside of really big ones before.

[@AgateDad]

That’s awesome man!

[@kellym.]

I would love to have a countertop made from these. Beautiful

[@bettyhouk8727]

Disappointed yes ! Never know what we got until we CUT the rock 🪨 open 🙏❤️👍! You win some and you lose some! But that makes rock hounding FUN ! Or in this case ROCKING CUTTING EXCITING ! You did a great job !👍

[@Scifisarah]

They tumble super fast so if anyone tries that, only do this type of stone together and much shorter time. Live in Michigan so we get a lot of these. A lot of the stones on beach are just the plain brown without the white so just because it is on the outside doesn't mean it goes through

[@denisebiely5998]

I really like the broken one…It is more interesting to me. LOL

[@nancyb1605]

❤️👍🏻❤️Can you polish the outside surfaces on some of those stones to make cabs? Thanks for a great cutting/slabbing video, can’t wait for the cabbing to begin. Your enthusiasm is contagious Agate Dad

[@AgateDad]

Sure!

[@mildredjeakins5435]

The one before the BIG one reminded me of a baby! So amazing!

[@orgnlsendee39]

I've never seen stones like these before. That one bigger stone looks like it has a baby inside.

[@watchingthewheelsgoround260]

The last one that you like , looks like the opening of a cave with scraggly walls. Beautiful 🤩

[@greatnorthernviews3052]

Those are beautiful 😻

[@rosecityremodel2015]

Great video. Cool stones.

[@AgateDad]

Thanks 👍

[@crickettmoon7082]

Your willpower to NOT LOOK is impressive.

[@KillaKiRawBeats]

Watching you cut rocks is so satisfyingly invigorating. Thank you for showing what's inside the already cool rocks and showing the beautiful insides they have. Keep rocking on !

[@drumfish2744]

I funny thing I found out: these nodules are found in Michigan and I’ve found them in southern Victoria, a state in Australia. (At least very similar stones.)

[@alphaalfonso1969]

WOW WORLD Of WONDER! Looks like Small Granite Stones.

[@amigadoalpha]

Sou parecida contigo no prazer das pedras. Abraços do Brasil Meu sonho é ter uma máquina cortadora de pedras um pouco menor que a sua, e fazer vídeos das minhas lindas pedras sendo cortadas, pedras achadas aqui aonde eu trabalho. Lindo seu vídeo. Empolgante :)

[@TxFrannie]

Beautiful!! I love love rocks!!!

[@bethdoletzky8483]

"Nothing ventured, nothing gained", great video. So cool!

[@AgateDad]

Exactly!

[@sunqwest1]

good choice on leaving it alone.

[@gayle525]

Maybe cut the grey inside one a little closer to the lightening lines.

[@K10House]

I think there's something kind of beautiful about the little steps on the edges where the pieces broke off after the final cutting ❤

[@wreckergirl9810]

Your excitement is contagious!

[@AgateDad]

☺️

[@wendylynn1980]

Awesome video! There is a beach near me that is a gold mine for lightning stones. I have a literal bucket full but have not tried cutting them yet. Now I'm thinking I need to get the tile saw out ASAP.

[@lydiaflatt9859]

You never disappoint! Show the rocks, cut the rocks! And you’re right, there is still a beautiful piece to display from the last big daddy stone!

[@AgateDad]

🙌

[@MOAONAABE]

im 69 and in the 50s in detroit there was an old guy in the neighborhood i used to watch him cutting stones. they looked like jewels.. I was about 6 years old. made a big impression on me about our earth and the crust we all wear. great vid

[@AgateDad]

Very cool!

[@kisheacox8147]

My first time cutting such as you are, I was so scared I would lose a couple digits. I was taking a class and the guy came over with a good hearted laugh to make it clear I would leave the class with the same amount of fingers as I came with by putting his fingers on the blade. I bout died! Lol. I cut open 6:38 my first thunderegg that day. Hooked every since on this part of it. Every cut, even from the same rock, is different. Beautiful. I love everything about rocks. Anywhere I can incorporate them, I have and still do! Rocks are in my heart and soul and put both into everything I create. How can you be out walking around and not come back with rocks in your pockets? I’m forever staring at the ground for this reason.

[@AgateDad]

I’m so thankful someone showed you the finger on the saw trick! Make sure to never do that with a blade with teeth!! Even diamond blades with notches. I’m glad you are hooked though!

[@kisheacox8147]

@@AgateDad still have all my fingers! They are little worse for wear since I was 17 and now 46.

[@jannford9059]

I reckon you need to cut through the lightening for greatest effect 😁