Fire agate

Fire agate

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Fire agate stone

A variety of chalcedony, is a semi-precious natural gemstone discovered so far only in certain areas of central and northern Mexico and the southwestern United States (New Mexico, Arizona and California).

Approximately 24-36 million years ago these areas were subjected to massive volcanic activity during the Tertiary Period. The fire agates were formed during this period of volcanism when hot water, saturated with silica and iron oxide, repeatedly filled cracks and bubbles in the surrounding rock.

Fire agates have beautiful iridescent rainbow colors, similar to opal, with a measurement of hardness on the Mohs scale of between 5 and 7 which reduces the occurrence of scratching when polished gemstones are set in jewelry.

The vibrant iridescent rainbow colors found within fire agates, created by the Schiller effect as found in mother-of-pearl, is caused by the alternating silica and iron oxide layers which diffract and allow light to pass and form an interference of colors within the microstructure layering of the stone causing the fire effect for which it is named.

Chalcedony is a cryptocrystalline form of silica, composed of very fine intergrowths of quartz and moganite. These are both silica minerals, but they differ in that quartz has a trigonal crystal structure, while moganite is monoclinic. Chalcedony’s standard chemical structure (based on the chemical structure of quartz) is SiO2 (silicon dioxide).

Chalcedony has a waxy luster, and may be semitransparent or translucent. It can assume a wide range of colors, but those most commonly seen are white to gray, grayish-blue or a shade of brown ranging from pale to nearly black. The color of chalcedony sold commercially is often enhanced by dyeing or heating.

The name chalcedony comes from the Latin chalcedonius . The name appears in Pliny the Elder’s Naturalis Historia as a term for a translucid kind of Jaspis. The name is probably derived from the town Chalcedon in Asia Minor. The Greek word khalkedon also appears in the Book of Revelation.

It is a hapax legomenon found nowhere else, so it is hard to tell whether the precious gem mentioned in the Bible is the same mineral known by this name today.

Mexican fire agate crystal meaning and healing properties

The following section is pseudo scientific and based on cultural beliefs.

The stone has been called a stone of “eternal youth” and is said to bring vitality to the entire body. It is said to increase digestion and to assist with sexual dysfunctions. It is also used for treating the central nervous system. Like other Agates, it is commonly used to help treat eye disorders.

The crystal works strongly through the sacral or navel chakra to revitalize this area of the body physically. It is a strong stone for the all of the chakras that are below the heart. By charging the lower chakras with energy, this is a powerful stone to aid procreation.

FAQ

What is fire agate good for?

A protective and grounding stone with a calming energy. It is said to build a protective shield around the body, deflecting ill-wishing and harm and reflecting it back to its source. It stimulates energy and life force and is said to increase sexual vitality and libido.

How do I identify fire agate?

Like other chalcedony quartz gemstones, fire agate has a hardness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. A specific gravity of 2.59 to 2.67 and a refractive index of 1.530 to 1.540. It has no cleavage and can be identified by its silicon dioxide composition.

Who should wear fire agate?

The crystal helps us feel safe and can be used to repel psychic and emotional vampires. It is attuned to the root and sacral chakras, is linked to Aries, Leo, Sagittarius and the elements of fire and Earth, and vibrates to the Number 9.

Where should fire agate be placed in the home?

Put the agate in the part of the house that most needs energy replenishment and gentle healing. For example, blue agate is perfect for the health zone (east) and the wealth zone (southeast). At the same time, fiery red agate will get along perfectly in the southwest – in the sector of love and marriage.

Is Mexican fire agate rare?

It is by far more rare than diamonds, emeralds or rubies. Gem quality which has been found only in the past sixty years in parts of California, Arizona and Mexico, making it one of the rarest, most colorful gem in the world.

Natural fire agate for sale in our gem shop

We make custom made fire agate jewelry as engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, pendants… Please contact us for a quote.