Grading
A geologist-led approach to grading Lake Superior agates
Our grading scale gives vendors and collectors a consistent way to describe and discuss the characteristics of a Lake Superior agate. Every stone we grade receives a grade from 1 to 10 and a named tier on our proprietary scale.
The scale
- 1Tumble Grade
- 2Low Quality
- 3Commercial Grade
- 4Moderate Quality
- 5Mid-Moderate Grade
- 6Medium Grade
- 7Jewelry Grade
- 8High GradeFeatured specimen
- 9Top Shelf
- 10Museum Grade
What every grade includes
- An LSL ID, your stone's unique LakeStone Labs identifier
- Its LakeStone Labs (LSL) grade and tier: one overall grade that takes condition, banding, translucency and notable features into account
- Recorded dimensions and weight
- A one-of-one trading card featuring a high-resolution photograph of your stone
- A custom-fit stand made for your stone
- An Agate Registry record, private unless you choose to share it
Your trading card and Agate Registry record carry your grade and LSL ID, and your custom-fit stand is made to fit the stone itself.
Example specimen
White and orange fortification
- Type
- Lake Superior agate
- Pattern
- Fortification
- Primary colors
- White, orange
- Weight
- 11.8 oz
- Graded
- July 2026
- LSL ID
- LSL-BETA-0002 Beta
Every stone is reviewed by a geologist, and a grade is specific to the LakeStone Labs scale.
Product preview Its card and stand, as they're being designed.
Polished, tumbled, cut or oiled stones?
Yes, these stones can be graded, and their record shows it in the Finish and Treatment status. To receive Natural status, a stone must have an unaltered surface with no additives.
Substances like mineral oil can hide natural fractures, so they must be removed for us to review a stone in its natural state and give it Natural status.
We ask that stones come to us un-oiled. If yours is oiled, we're experienced at handling and cleaning stones and are happy to remove the mineral oil at your intake, capture the stone, and re-oil it afterward if you'd like.
What stays private
Information about your stone is private by default. You can choose to share its entry with other collectors through our Agate Registry.
What a grade means
A LakeStone Labs grade is a professional assessment under our grading scale. It is not an appraisal, a guaranteed sale price, or proof of where a stone was found.
Find out where your agate lands
Request a grade, or meet us at an upcoming show.