This finely polished 16.2 carat fire agate gemstone showcases a vivid interplay of red, orange and green hues with good refraction iridescence. The gem measures 24.95 mm by 19.70 mm by 6.28 mm at its widest points and is 100% natural and untreated, making it a good choice for use in a high quality jewelry creation or as a colorful gemstone specimen display.
This gemstone originates from Deer Creek, Arizona, a region renowned for its premium fire agates that often exhibit striking red, orange, green, purple and blue color variations. Images were captured both indoors under artificial full spectrum lighting and outdoors in direct sunlight to best showcase the gems vibrant fire display and color play.
The vibrant colors in fire agates result from the Schiller effect, like that seen in mother-of-pearl and opals. This phenomenon arises from alternating layers of silica and iron oxide that diffract light, creating the interference colors recognized as fire. Optimal lighting is essential to reveal the gem’s full fire display, as in dimmer conditions the stone will tend to appear darker and more brownish in color.
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.
