Editors

Internet Gobbles Up Cookie Monster Geode

EditorsJan 27, 2021

Internet Gobbles Up Cookie Monster Geode

People are going wild for the rock, with some buyers offering a lot of dough for it.

20210127_Cookie-Monster-header.jpg
The “Cookie Monster” geode from Brazil was uncovered in November and set the internet on fire when it was revealed. (Photo credit: Kennedy News & Media)
It’s the kind of news we all needed, and the internet did not disappoint in delivering.

Providing a fun balm amid the continued politics- and coronavirus-saturated news cycles, the discovery of an agate geode that looks just like Cookie Monster has taken over the online world.

The geode was uncovered in November in the Rio Grande do Sul region of Brazil. A Brazilian contact gave gemologist Lucas Fassari the geode, and he then sent it to Mike Bowers, who has been in the trade for years.

When the egg-sized geode was cracked open, the interior revealed an agate formation that outlined the same wide smile, googly eyes and even similar coloring as many people’s favorite Sesame Street character.

Bowers said while it is “somewhat uncommon” to find a face shape within agates, it’s also just like looking at the clouds—you kind of see a face.

What makes the “Cookie Monster” agate unique is that there is no doubt—it is Cookie Monster, and no explanation is required—the image is very sharp and the grayish-blue color is perfect for the character.

What makes it museum-grade, he added, is that the “Cookie Monster” is clean and obvious to anyone, the agate hasn’t been treated, and the formation is complete on both sides.

“I have yet to see any other natural agate example of Cookie Monster.”

Clearly, everyone loves it.

This is proven in part by the offers he has been getting for it, starting at around $10,000 when it was first revealed but now that it has gone viral, offers from around the world for “way above that number.”

Bowers posted a video to Facebook, showcasing an awesome reveal of the inside set to Cookie Monster’s “C is for Cookie” song.

It’s gotten close to 1 million views, more than 13,000 shares, and 1,400 comments.

Bowers said on his Facebook page he has been “submerged” by requests to use the video, which doesn’t surprise me at all.

(As an aside, I sifted through Bowers’ page while working on this story and let me tell you, if you’re a lover of interesting mineral specimens, be sure to scroll through it. He doesn’t disappoint.)

The Facebook video went up on Jan. 16, and the Cookie Monster geode got more love on Saturday, when Dr. Jacqueline Antonovich, historian of medicine, gender and politics and assistant professor at Pennsylvania’s Muhlenberg College, tweeted about it.
 
As of Wednesday, news of the geode from her had been retweeted more than 87,000 times, plus it got so much love on Instagram, from what I saw. I alone was sent the news by more than a half-dozen people, inside the industry and out. 

I was also shocked at how many news articles have been devoted to the Cookie Monster geode, which is a great way to remind everyone why the area of gems and minerals is so much fun. 

But the ultimate sign of approval? A tweet from Cookie Monster himself.
  
Bowers said at this point, he plans to keep the stone.

He added it likely will end up in a museum, high-end collection or belonging to “a very special person”; the person who plays Cookie Monster on Sesame Street even contacted them.  

Still, for now, they want to enjoy the stone. 

“It is totally unique and it is awesome to see everyone loving this stone as much as we do. Mother Nature millions of years ago knew it,” he said. 

The fun and enjoyment around this thing is really something.

I love that people get excited to see what nature can create, whether it’s a Sesame Street character or one of the most commonly recognized, and beloved, shapes on earth.

Earlier this month, before news of Cookie Monster blew up, Uruguay Minerals uncovered an amethyst geode on the border of Uruguay and Brazil where the crystal formation inside was in the shape of a heart. 

Here’s hoping news like this just keeps coming. 
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

Claire’s storefront
MajorsMar 18, 2024
Claire’s to Launch in 4,400 Walgreens Stores

The retailer is expanding its footprint via retail partnerships, previously inking deals with Kohl’s and Macy’s.

Jewelers of America logo
MajorsMar 18, 2024
JA Partners with eBay on New Member Benefit

Members will now have access to “eBay Concierge,” a white-glove dedicated customer service team.

The Jewelry Symposium logo
Events & AwardsMar 18, 2024
The Jewelry Symposium Launches Inaugural Scholarship

The deadline to apply is March 29.

BTYB-HoBrothers-updated.png
Brought to you by
The Scalable, Professional, and Effortless Solution for High-Demand Custom Jewelry Retailers

Ho Brothers offers scalable solutions for the future of custom jewelry.

Brilliant Earth x Logan Hollowell Bloom earrings
FinancialsMar 15, 2024
Brilliant Earth Posts Record Sales, Orders in 2023

CEO Beth Gerstein spoke about the growing appeal of its non-bridal fine jewelry and its expansion plans on its recent earnings call.

Weekly QuizMar 14, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
Take the Quiz
Arkansas crater of diamonds eclipse tickets
SourcingMar 15, 2024
Crater of Diamonds State Park Selling Eclipse Tickets

Ticketholders can dig for diamonds in the Arkansas park ahead of the eclipse viewing event on April 8.

Lotus Tiara
CollectionsMar 15, 2024
Piece of the Week: The Lotus Tiara

The versatile jewel pairs ancient Egyptian inspiration with a modern design.

GIA id100
Brought to you by
Full Disclosure at Your Fingertips

Distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-grown stones – now more available than ever – has been difficult for jewelers. Until now.

Stock image of rough diamonds mined by De Beers
SourcingMar 14, 2024
De Beers Says Retailers Are ‘Restocking Conservatively’

The company’s rough sales improved for the third sales cycle in a row.

Gemological Institute of America logo
GradingMar 14, 2024
GIA Has a New Scholarship for High School Students in San Diego

The spring application window closes on March 31.

15.51-Carat Yellow Diamond
AuctionsMar 14, 2024
Phillips Hong Kong to Auction 15.51-Carat Yellow Diamond

It’s estimated to sell for up to $1.3 million at the upcoming sale on March 28.

Hedda Schupak
Events & AwardsMar 14, 2024
WJA Foundation Establishes Scholarship in Hedda Schupak’s Honor

It aims to support aspiring journalists, media professionals, content creators, and communicators.

Slick Rick
Events & AwardsMar 13, 2024
A Celebration of Hip-Hop Jewelry Is Coming to AMNH

“Ice Cold: An Exhibition of Hip-Hop Jewelry” will open at the New York City museum on May 9.

Dave Meleski
MajorsMar 13, 2024
Richline’s Dave Meleski Takes Over as RJC Chair

He succeeds David Bouffard, who is leaving Signet and the RJC next month.

Zachary’s Jewelers Mother’s Day kids jewelry contest
IndependentsMar 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Is Holding a Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest for Kids

Three winners will have their jewelry sketches turned into a real piece of jewelry in time for the holiday.

Boucheron Power of Couture
CollectionsMar 13, 2024
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Pays Homage to Ceremony, History

“Power of Couture” recalls Frédéric Boucheron’s love of fabric using diamonds and rock crystal.

Harry Winston diamond necklace
AuctionsMar 12, 2024
Top Lots Don’t Sell at Sotheby’s Signed Jewels Auction

A Harry Winston diamond necklace and other top lots failed to find buyers.

National Jeweler columnist Lilian Raji
ColumnistsMar 12, 2024
The PR Adviser: Closing Sales and Following Up

Lilian Raji offers advice to a business owner who is having trouble crossing the finish line with customers.

Steve Webb
MajorsMar 12, 2024
Steve Webb Named EVP of The Gordon Company

He brings 30 years of retail store management experience to the role.

Diamonds Do Good Awards logo
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2024
DDG to Honor 3 Industry Veterans in Vegas

At its annual gala, Diamonds Do Good will present awards to GIA, London Jewelers, and Lisa Bridge.

2024 Gem Awards audience
Events & AwardsMar 11, 2024
Gem Awards Highlight the Power of Retail, Community

The 2024 winners expressed gratitude to their teams, industry colleagues, and those who turn jewelry dreams into reality.

Jewelry from designers Jean Prounis, Marla Aaron, and Marie Lichtenberg
CollectionsMar 08, 2024
Pieces of the Week: Gem Award for Jewelry Design Nominees

They are Marla Aaron, Marie Lichtenberg, and Jean Prounis.

Peter Montalbano
Events & AwardsMar 08, 2024
Peter Montalbano to Receive JSA Industry Service Award

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance will honor the industry veteran at its upcoming annual luncheon.

Pomellato International Women’s Day video campaign
Policies & IssuesMar 08, 2024
Pomellato’s 2024 IWD Video Calls for an End to Violence Against Women

The annual video stars Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli alongside Jane Fonda and other celebrities and activists.

970x250.jpg
Supplier BulletinMar 07, 2024
Empower Your Team with IGI’s Comprehensive Educational Services

Sponsored by IGI

Eddie Grove
IndependentsMar 07, 2024
‘Old-School’ Jewelry Salesman Eddie Grove Dies at 81

The Pennsylvania native, who sold for Gumuchian and others, is remembered for being kind and outgoing.

A selection of engagement rings
TrendsMar 07, 2024
5 Engagement Ring Trends for 2024

From three-stone rings to fancy shapes, experts weigh in on what consumers could be looking for this year.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy