$30.00
A 1-inch fire agate from Slaughter Mountain, Arizona, displaying vibrant iridescent layers of chalcedony and iron oxide. A rare American gemstone prized for its fiery play of color.
In stock
This 1-inch fire agate specimen was collected and polished from the famed Slaughter Mountain deposit in Arizona’s Gila County. Each piece reveals intricate, rainbow-like iridescence beneath translucent brown chalcedony — a natural optical effect known as irisation. Lapidaries carefully grind and polish layer by layer to expose the internal fire bands without cutting too deeply, creating a stone that glows from within.
Fire agate is a rare, naturally iridescent variety of botryoidal chalcedony formed in the late Tertiary volcanic regions of the American Southwest. As silica-rich groundwater flowed through basaltic cavities, thin films of iron oxide and limonite settled between micro-layers of chalcedony. Light interference within these films produces flashes of red, orange, green, gold, and sometimes violet — colors that rival opal yet are entirely stable and permanent.
Slaughter Mountain, on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, is among the most celebrated localities, producing fire agate with exceptional depth, crisp banding, and intense color contrast. Material from this area is mined in limited quantities, making each piece increasingly collectible.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral Class | Silicate (Chalcedony Variety) |
| Chemical Formula | SiO₂ with Fe₂O₃ films |
| Crystal System | Trigonal (Microcrystalline Aggregate) |
| Mohs Hardness | 6.5 – 7 |
| Locality / Formation Type | Slaughter Mountain, Arizona – Volcanic Cavity Deposit |
Fire agate was first recognized as a distinct gem in the early 20th century and remains one of the few precious stones unique to North America. Indigenous peoples of the region collected colorful agate nodules long before modern mining began, often using them for trade or personal adornment.
Modern cutters prize Arizona fire agate for its durability and natural brilliance — unlike opal, its colors are permanent and resist fading. Each polished cabochon or raw specimen captures the dynamic forces of the region’s volcanic past in miniature.
The agate family is traditionally associated with stability and protection, while fire agate’s internal blaze evokes vitality, transformation, and courage — qualities drawn from its volcanic birth. Collectors often view pieces from Slaughter Mountain as emblems of the desert’s living energy:
Color play mirrors inner strength and renewal.
Layered structure symbolizes endurance and balance through time.
Fiery tones express life force shaped by earth and heat.
Each specimen is a geological artwork — domed and lustrous with rolling surfaces that shimmer as light moves across them. Expect flashes of red, green, and gold over deep brown chalcedony. At 1 inch, this piece is perfect for display cases, lapidary inspiration, or small mineral collections emphasizing American localities.
Fire agate is durable but should be cleaned with mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh abrasives that could dull the polish. Store separately from harder crystals such as quartz or topaz to prevent surface scratches.
| Weight | 3 oz |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1 × .75 × .25 in |
