“An unusual gem/lapidary material (improperly) called "Howardite" and also known as "Rattlesnake Jasper" from a "lost" locality in Nevada. Also confusingly referred to as "Rattlesnake Agate" "Snakeskin Agate" and "Plaid Agate." The correct locality is just S/SW of the old Tunnel Hill Diatomite Mine, Velvet District, Pershing Co., NV, rediscovered in August 2015 and kept a secret for a period of time. Some more recent varieties include "Flamingo Agate" and "Royal Flamingo Agate." This material was said to be an opalized/agatized/jasperized tuff infused with chalcedony, in which the plaided or wood grain "appearance" was stated (1940's ?) to be created from the pulsation of iron bearing waters infiltrated through the tuff. Sinkankas (GNA, Vol.1, 1959) depicts similar material which he stated more closely resembled Chert. It has been mistaken as petrified wood in the past. I have not had any tests performed on the material, so can only go on what little I can find in the literature, which is scarce. It is a highly desirable material in the lapidary community. ”