Montrose Museum
Lord Gray Agate Collection
About this collection
Montrose has long been famous for its agates, and this superb collection was assembled, cut and polished by Lord Francis Gray, 14th Lord Gray of Kinfauns Castle. On his death, Lord Panmure purchased the collection of over 600 agates and donated it to Montrose Museum.
What are the highlights of this collection
Agates are typified by bands and rings of coloured mineral, although this is not usually evident until they are cut and polished. The agates show a broad variety of colours and patterns, from bands the shape and colour of flame, to minute lines and stripes of subtle creams, yellows and reds. Specimens within the collection range in size from around 18mm diameter to 36 x 25 mm.
Incredibly this collection was collected cut and polished at a time before electricity was in widespread use.
How can I find out more
Not all of this collection is on display at any one time. Access to the full collection is available by request.
© Angus Council 1998 - 2010