The Muehlenberg Hill ranks among the classical agate-finding areas in the area of Freisen. Generations of agate collectors could make extraordinary findings here (usually in modest size). By the high collection pressure on this finding area the finding possibilities decreased here however strongly. A principal reason for this is to be seen in the neighbouring Edelsteindorado, which attracts agate collectors.
Typically for the location Muehlenberg Hill is the occurrence of cloud-like agates (whirly layers of chalcedony), as well as tube- and balloon-like formations, recognizably by a extremly thin layer of pigmented Chalcedony around colorless transparent Chalcedony. Beautifully spherulitics are an important part of the pattern of a typically Muehlenberg Hill agate. Holosperulithical Formations of scientific interest are occuring here too.
A phenomenon, which admits to me so far only from agates, which come outside of the Saar - Nahe area, is the formation of ruptured layers embedded in not distorted agate-layers. In the presented specimen is a layer of macro-crystalline quartz ruptured. The gaps are filled with Chalcedony. The look in the plan view is showing a multiplicity of polygons (formated by macro-crystalline quartz in a matrix of clear Chalcedony). This structure suggests a contraction procedure of the appropriate layer that causes the rupturing.
Associative views on agate patterns lead mostly to an interpretation of the picture as fish- or bird-like. More complex interpretations are much rarer like "bushfire-pattern", the "virgin Maria with child", "picture of the great leader Mao" etc.. So banally thus also the comparison of an agate picture with a bird is, I had to name this agate presented here as "Phoenix".
This agate-finding-location is published on the comprehensive and richly illustrated CD-ROM "agates from the region Freisen". This CD-ROM is available at the price of 20. - Euro in the agate archives.