Fire Agate
Perfil profesional
I sell Gemstone Jewelry For Craftsmen and, for 30 years with stones from all over northern Mexico and southern USA, now turned into a den of scorpions this is that I must sell them, because they are in the cellar, which very close to the room where you sleep (no joke) is absolutely true.
The Gemstone Fire Agate
CHEMISTRY SiO2 CRYSTALLOGRAPHY Hexagonal REFRACTIVE INDEX 1.544 - 1.553 HARDNESS 7 SPECIFIC GRAVITY 2.651 CLEAVAGE None HEAT SENSITIVE No WEARABILITY Excellent
What is Fire Agate? Fire Agate is not a well known gem. It has colors that are brighter and sometimes more beautiful than opal. Without the risk of cracking, fading or easily scratching. .
Agate is probably one of the most common and well known gemstones. This variety of silica is generaly formed by volcanic activity. Fire Agate is thought to be formed when hot water saturated with colloidal silica and iron oxide. Invades cavities in regular rock below the earth's surface. When it begins to cool. Chalcedony with iron oxide begins to grow on any available surface. The solution grows layers of silica and iron oxide. Many shapes and colors are formed by the mineral impurities in the silica. The alternating silica and iron oxide layers are called Schiller. The Schiller layers are small enough that light passing through them. Forming an interference of colors known as Fire. These impurities give fire agate the distinction of "Gem", rather than just agate. As the iron oxide in the solution runs out, colorless chalcedony continues to grow. Producing the typical brown and white rough fire agate. The iron oxide is what gives this gem it's basic brown color.
Some of the most colorful and brilliant fire agates are from Arizona. The micro-thin layers in this material, diffract light, back to the eye in rainbow patterns. Creating brilliant bubbles and sheets of red, green, yellow, and the elusive blue. It is truly remarkable material. From famous mines such as, Deer Creek, Slaughter Mountain and others. Cutting Fire Agate: You must essentially reverses nature's process by grinding and polishing away layers, following natural contours, until only the fire is visible. It's best to work this agate with a diamond wheel to expose the fire layer. Then switch to a Dremel or a Foredom tool. With a good sintered diamond bit. Now patiently work away the remaining material. Following the natural contours as best as possible. Until you are right on top of the fire layer. As you might imagine, one layer too far and the stone is ruined. Tumble them with your remaining junk fire agate or other agate material
