Author Patti Polk is recognized as one of the top agate collectors in the world (as noted in the highly respected reference book "Agates III" by Johann Zenz). She has been collecting, cutting and polishing rocks for jewelry and display for more than 20 years. She has been published in "Rock & Gem" magazine and numerous other periodicals, and speaks at rock and mineral club programs and frequently serves as a trail guide for visitors to Arizona. Patti is a skilled lapidary artist, which includes the cutting and polishing of the stones into display specimens or cabochons for jewelry making.