Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Prudent Man Agate come from?  The mine is located in the Challis Volcanics of central Idaho, Alder Creek Mining District which is well known for agate nodules, some minor opal deposits, petrified wood and jasper.

Can I Buy Rough?  Sorry, no rough available from the Prudent Man veins right now.

How do I order?  You can call me, Steve Howard at 208-520-2449 with the number of the slab or slabs you want. Each slab has it's own number and the number and price for each slab is located under the image of the slab.  If you miss me you can leave your number and I will call you back. I may take up to a week or so to get back to you during the summer months. Or send an email.

How will my order be shipped? I will ship USPS for small orders unless you prefer another method. Slab shipping is free via USPS. Shipping cost for rough is about one dollar per pound. Heavy orders will be shipped Fed Ex ground or USPS flat rate priority mail.

Guarantee? Your complete satisfaction with your purchase is guaranteed. If you are not satisfied with your purchase you may return it for a full refund. Shipping is not refundable.

Payments Accepted? I will accept credit cards, cashiers checks, personal checks or money orders. If you pay with a check or money order I will not be able to ship your order until the payment clears.  Credit card purchases will be charged through my elk ivory jewelry business, Blue Sky Jewelry.  http://www.blueskyjewelry.com

How did you make this discovery? I have been prospecting for about 30 years and when I found the PM I followed float to determine where I thought the veins should be and started digging. I found a reddish colored streak in the country rock and followed it. At about the three foot level I hit the good stuff. Basically the same process used to locate any hidden vein.

Where did the name, Prudent Man come from? The name "Prudent Man" is a reference to a clause in the 1872 mining law that states a claim can only be filed on a lode or vein that a prudent man could earn a living from by working it.

Steve Howard
The Prudent Man