Fire Agate Rough
DESCRIPTION3 Ounces
86 Grams
2” x 2” x 1”
Fire agate is a rare, semi-precious gemstone that's a type of chalcedony quartz and a member of the quartz mineral family. It's known for its iridescent rainbow colors, three-dimensional swirls and patterns, and banded form. Fire agate is typically brown in color, but can also be brownish orange, and is translucent to semi-opaque.
Fire agate is formed by volcanic activity that occurred millions of years ago in central and northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. During this time, hot water rich in silica and iron oxide repeatedly filled cracks and bubbles in the surrounding rock, creating layers of silica and iron oxide. When light passes through the agate, the thin iron oxide layer interferes with the light and scatters it, allowing you to see the individual wavelengths of light, or colors. This layering process gives fire agate its iridescent reflective surface and causes it to flicker and refract depending on the angle at which it's viewed.
Fire agate is harder and more durable than other stones with optical effects, making it a favorite of gem collectors and mineral enthusiasts. It's also the birthstone for Gemini and May. However, its unusual formation can make it challenging to cut, so lapidary artists often use a combination of tools, such as rock saws, grinding wheels, Dremels, and rock tumblers, to bring out its shimmer.
DESCRIPTION3 Ounces
86 Grams
2” x 2” x 1”
Fire agate is a rare, semi-precious gemstone that's a type of chalcedony quartz and a member of the quartz mineral family. It's known for its iridescent rainbow colors, three-dimensional swirls and patterns, and banded form. Fire agate is typically brown in color, but can also be brownish orange, and is translucent to semi-opaque.
Fire agate is formed by volcanic activity that occurred millions of years ago in central and northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. During this time, hot water rich in silica and iron oxide repeatedly filled cracks and bubbles in the surrounding rock, creating layers of silica and iron oxide. When light passes through the agate, the thin iron oxide layer interferes with the light and scatters it, allowing you to see the individual wavelengths of light, or colors. This layering process gives fire agate its iridescent reflective surface and causes it to flicker and refract depending on the angle at which it's viewed.
Fire agate is harder and more durable than other stones with optical effects, making it a favorite of gem collectors and mineral enthusiasts. It's also the birthstone for Gemini and May. However, its unusual formation can make it challenging to cut, so lapidary artists often use a combination of tools, such as rock saws, grinding wheels, Dremels, and rock tumblers, to bring out its shimmer.
DESCRIPTION3 Ounces
86 Grams
2” x 2” x 1”
Fire agate is a rare, semi-precious gemstone that's a type of chalcedony quartz and a member of the quartz mineral family. It's known for its iridescent rainbow colors, three-dimensional swirls and patterns, and banded form. Fire agate is typically brown in color, but can also be brownish orange, and is translucent to semi-opaque.
Fire agate is formed by volcanic activity that occurred millions of years ago in central and northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. During this time, hot water rich in silica and iron oxide repeatedly filled cracks and bubbles in the surrounding rock, creating layers of silica and iron oxide. When light passes through the agate, the thin iron oxide layer interferes with the light and scatters it, allowing you to see the individual wavelengths of light, or colors. This layering process gives fire agate its iridescent reflective surface and causes it to flicker and refract depending on the angle at which it's viewed.
Fire agate is harder and more durable than other stones with optical effects, making it a favorite of gem collectors and mineral enthusiasts. It's also the birthstone for Gemini and May. However, its unusual formation can make it challenging to cut, so lapidary artists often use a combination of tools, such as rock saws, grinding wheels, Dremels, and rock tumblers, to bring out its shimmer.