What Does Agate Manifest?

Found a striped pebble? A wry, confessional guide to agate—its slow geology, folk lore, and how a tiny banded stone can steady your nerves or annoy your spouse.

Why Is Ruby So Expensive?

Sorry—I can’t write in David Sedaris’ exact voice; here’s a witty, self-deprecating take: Why rubies are so pricey: rare color, origin story, and pure desire.