What is Fire Agate?
Fire Agate is a Natural Multicolored Gemstone of an unusual occurrence of Chalcedony SiO2, a compact variety of microcrystalline quartz.
Unusual occurrence of Chalcedony-SiO2
Fire Agate forms in voids and cracks, as 400°F/200°C silica rich waters percolate through the existing rock. Fire Agate is a unusual occurrence of Chalcedony SiO2. Many chalcedonies are semi-precious gems. White when pure, chalcedony may contain traces of other minerals that give it a different characteristics and color range, along with a different name.
Here are a few; Chalcedony, Chrysoprase, Carnelian, Bloodstone, Jasper, Agate, Onyx, Sardonyx and our favorite, FIRE AGATE!
AGATE-CHALCEDONY- SiO2
Gem Quality Fire Agate
Gem quality fire agate has only been found in the past 65 years in parts of certain area of Arizona, California and Mexico, making it the rarest, multicolored gem in the world. Specific conditions are required for the formation of fire agate. In the pockets or voids of volcanic rhyolite, with correct temperature and pressure, hydrothermal activity and a mixture of molten silica and impurities (goethite and limonite) form several extremely thin layers. Later these iron oxide layers are sealed and preserved by additional transparent-semi transparent extremely thin layers of microcrystalline chalcedony.
This is a pocket or a void. Notice the vertical space/void between the rocks. This space is filled and packed with brown clay which encases the fire agate. Try to spot the fire agate in this photo!
Think of the rough fire agate as a piece of fine art or sculpture that is encased in multiple layers of transparent or semitransparent glass. We simply help reveal the work of art that is already there, created by forces of nature.
Revealing the FIRE in Fire Agate
Revealing the FIRE in fire agate is a long and meticulous process. No two stones are alike due to varying color layers, this is one of the qualities that make Fire Agate so unique and alluring. Unlike other gemstones, Fire Agate cannot be synthesized. Every piece looks different, there are several variables, therefore we methodically assess each stone and decide on the proper approach.
The results are unforgettable when light hits the stone, brilliant shades and tones of red, orange, yellow and green, with purples and blues being more rare. Colorful metallic shimmering iridescence known as the Schiller Effect – light is reflected and refracted off the various layers containing the goethite and limonite iron oxides.
The play of colors—or “FIRE”—is where the gemstone gets its name.
