This high grade piece of Deer Creek fire agate rough weighs 60.73 grams and measures 2-1/4 x 1-1/4 x 1-1/4 inches. Its surface features multiple visible gem areas, making it an exceptional specimen for display or suitable for cutting into several fire agate gemstones. Such natural Deer Creek fire agate rough pieces are uncommon, as most are shaped and polished into finished gems for jewelry.
Photos were captured both indoors under artificial lighting and outdoors in sunlight with the stone dry and wet to mimic a polished surface and highlight its fire display. The vibrant colors in fire agates result from the Schiller effect, similar to that in mother-of-pearl and opals. This phenomenon is caused by alternating layers of silica and iron oxide that diffract light, producing the color interference known as fire. Optimal lighting is necessary to fully appreciate this play of color, as the stone appears darker in dimmer conditions.
This specimen is a natural rock and may exhibit typical imperfections found in nature or resulting from the mining extraction processes, such as small chips or stress fractures.
Deer Creek is well known for producing exceptionally vibrant fire agate gemstones, celebrated for their mesmerizing play of color and intricate internal banding. The fire agates from Deer Creek are a treasure trove of beauty for collectors and carvers which prize this locality for its mesmerizing gemstones, high quality rough and exquisite mineral specimens. The fire agate often display brillant vivid flashes of bright red, orange, green, purple, and blue colors. The uncut rough specimens often feature opal formations created during the geologic formation process. Many Deer Creek pieces have a protective chalcedony cap which preserves the vivid fire layers beneath and enhances the carving potential. These natural features make Deer Creek fire agate ideal for lapidary artists who seek material that allows for deep carving and a high contrast polish which reveals the stone’s full spectrum of fiery brilliance.
