Availability:
Being that Fire Agate deposits are found in just a few locations in the world, and
combined with the fact that it's one of the most difficult cab materials to cut
properly, Fire Agate has remained both scarce and largely unknown to the general
public. Surprisingly enough though, Fire Agate is relatively inexpensive.
Sources:
The only known Fire Agate deposits are found in Brazil, Mexico, and the south-western
United States.
Evaluation:
Fire Agate is rated at 6.5 to 7 on Moh's Scale of Hardness. There is not any specific
care required, but general gemstone precautions are always a good idea so that the
original condition of the stone can be retained. Fire Agate contains alternating
layers of silica and iron oxide, known as Schiller layers, that are small enough
to allow light to enter the stone forming iridescent colors known as fire. Though
the stone itself is brown in color, these micro-thin Schiller layers diffract light
back to the eye in rainbow patterns, creating iridescent colors of red, gold, green
and rarely, blue-violet.
The most prized Fire Agates will show color over the entire surface with no dead
spots. Red color is at the pinnacle of the value spectrum, along with the rare blue-violet
color.
Common Cuts:
Cut is a very crucial trait for the end look of Fire Agate. In order to best reveal
the colors, the overlying layers of silica and iron oxide must be ground and polished
away, following natural contours, until only the fire is visible. Fire Agate is
most often cut
into free-form and calibrated cabochons.
Routine Enhancements:
Fire Agate is not known to be enhanced.
Care & Cleaning:
Agate can be cleaned
using warm
soapy water and a soft brush. As with most gemstones,
Agate should be kept away from household chemicals and from prolonged exposure to
extremes of heat that can cause damage to the stone. Agate should be kept in a fabric-lined
box away from other jewelry items so as to avoid damage / scratching.
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