This colorful piece of Mexican fire agate rough measures 47.7 x 34.3 x 16.0 mm and weighs 24.63 grams (123 carats). This stone has visible fire layers exposed and displays green, orange, red and golden bronze colors. This fire agate (Agata De Fuego as they are called in Spanish) is from the Calvillo, Aguascalientes, Mexico area which is well known for producing quality fire agates with bright colors and mixed color variations.
Photographs were taken indoors under artificial full spectrum lighting and outdoors in natural sunlight, with the stone shown dry and wet to mimic a polished and enhance the visibility of its internal fire. Close-up magnification photos are also included to better reveal the intricate fire layers and colors within the stone. The colors seen within fire agates are created by the Schiller effect, as found in mother-of-pearl and opals. It is caused by the alternating silica and iron oxide layers which diffract and allow light to pass which forms the interference of colors known as fire. This play of color requires good lighting for the best fire display and will appear a darker brownish color in lower light conditions.
This stone is a natural rock and is subject to the normal flaws found in nature or the result 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.
