This large cut and polished piece of fire agate rough from Aguascalientes, Mexico, measures 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 x 3/4 inches and weighs 79.1 grams (395.6 carats) making it a significant piece for both mineral collectors and lapidary artist alike. Its windowed structure reveals a multi-hued fire pattern featuring a display of brown chalcedony surrounding orange and bronze fire colors, with subtle hints of green showing through on some of the botryoidal bubble formations. This piece exemplifies the unique beauty and complexity characteristic of fire agates, adding a rare and dynamic element to any collection. The polished window gives the lapidary artist a good view of how to approach the stone if it was to be cut into finished gemstones for jewelry purposes.
This fire agate, locally referred to as Ágata de Fuego, comes from Aguascalientes, Mexico, a region esteemed for its production of exceptional fire agates. These stones are highly regarded for their vibrant color displays and intricate mixed color variations that capture the natural beauty unique to this locale. Weighing 395.6 carats, this rough windowed specimen offers collectors and connoisseurs a captivating example of the complex patterns and fiery iridescence that make Aguascalientes fire agates prized among gem enthusiasts. Its origin and distinct visual qualities emphasize its value both as a specimen and as good lapidary material for final gemstone cutting.
The photographs shown highlight the stone’s exceptional fiery brilliance under both artificial full spectrum indoor lighting and outdoors in natural sunlight, shown dry and to best reveal its internal fire layers. The vibrant colors within fire agates arise from the Schiller effect, like what is seen in mother-of-pearl and opals. This phenomenon results from alternating layers of silica and iron oxide that diffract light, creating the interference patterns known as fire. Optimal lighting enhances this color play, while in dimmer conditions the fire agates may appear less vivid and appear darker with a brownish hue.
This gemstone is a natural stone and may exhibit typical imperfections inherent to its formation or arising from the rigors of the hard rock mining extraction process.
Aguascalientes Mexico is known for producing quality fire agate gemstones, celebrated for their mesmerizing play of color and intricate internal fire. The rough from Aguascalientes is a treasure trove of fire agate beauty for collectors and carvers which prize this locality for its rough specimens. Mexican fire agate rough often features these traits: Multiple stacked layers of limonite fire banding which creates dynamic flashes of red, orange, green, purple, and even electric blue. Some pieces from this area have a dark colored chalcedony which provides a striking difference from the colorful fire layers and enhances the carving potential. These natural features make Aguascalientes fire agate ideal for lapidary artists who seek material that allows for high contrast gemstones. This contrast helps reveal the stone’s full spectrum of fiery brilliance.
