This small cabinet sized fire agate rough mineral specimen from Slaughter Mountain, Arizona, weighs 1.05 pounds (16.8 ounces) and measures 4 by 3 by 2 inches. This high grade piece of fire agate rough showcases multiple areas of internal fire agate gemstones, colorful quartz and chalcedony formations, and an intermix of colored agate, natural opal and rhyolite. The specimen sits well and offers a good display angle for detailed examination in a display case. This piece could be cut for its gemstone value; however, it makes for an outstanding natural mineral specimen display in its present state.
This specimen originates from Slaughter Mountain, Arizona, an area celebrated for fire agate gemstones displaying vivid color ranges such as bright reds, oranges, deep greens, purples, and rare blues. The deposit lies within the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation where mining rights are exclusively held by tribal members. Due to limited mining activities at Slaughter Mountain, these large mineral specimens are becoming rare and hard to obtain.
The photos shown represent the actual specimen you will receive, photographed both outdoors in natural sunlight and indoors under full spectrum artificial light. The stone is displayed dry as well as wet to simulate a polished appearance for optimal visual display.
Slaughter Mountain is famed for producing exceptionally vibrant fire agate gemstones, celebrated for their mesmerizing play of color and intricate internal banding. The fire agates from Slaughter 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.
Slaughter Mountain fire agates often features multiple stacked layers of limonite fire banding, which when cut creates dynamic flashes of vibrant red, orange, green, purple, and even electric blue fire displays.
The all-natural rough mineral specimens often feature wonderful druzy quartz crystal formations which add sparkle and texture to the stone’s surface. Some pieces also have a protective chalcedony cap which preserves the vivid fire layers beneath and enhances the carving potential. These natural features make Slaughter Mountain 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.
