The online source for jewelry, gemstones, rough, minerals and more

Fire Agate

A layered stone, fire agate is a brown chalcedony, usually showing botryoidal growth, with layers of plate-like crystals of limonite alternating with layers of the chalcedony. Iridescent reds, golds, greens and purples are a result of the interplay of light between between the various layers.

Because of the degree of difficulty of cutting fire agate, it is not a well known stone in jewelry work. For the best play of color an overlying layer of chalcedony must be cut away to reveal a limonite layer,  the closer to one of the layers of limonite the cut is made the brighter the play of color.  However, accidentally cutting through the limonite layer leaves an unattractive brown spot where the underlying layer of chalcedony shows through.  Because of fire agate's botryoidal growth pattern a cabochon of well cut fire agate will have a freeform surface.  This, of course, requires that more time be devoted to each piece, diving up the cost of the finished stone.

Lore

Stones such as fire agate whose energies are connected to the earth are generally known for their healing qualities.  Fire agate is no exception.  It is said to be beneficial for stomach ache and is known to relieve severe stress.

Associated with courage and enthusiasm, fire agate can help one in overcoming timidity to become more self assertive and expressive.

Sometimes called firestone, this form of agate is thought to be a heating stone that can help with colds and chills.

George Frederick Kunz, America’s most famous gemologist , wrote a number of works on gem lore.

See what others have to say about us at our eBay feedback page.