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1.3" Polished Fire Agate - Calvillo Mines, Mexico
This is an authentic, 1.3" wide polished fire agate specimen collected from the Calvillo Mines of Aguascalientes, Mexico. The agate displays top-quality iridescence when rotated under a light source.
About Mexican Fire Agate
Fire agate is a variety of chalcedony that often displays a metallic, shimmering iridescence known as adularescence or the Schiller Effect. It likely forms by means of fluid evaporation within a cavity that is already experiencing chalcedony deposition. In these cases, a thin iridescent film floating on the stagnant, silica-rich fluids forms as ferrous iron oxidizes when coming in contact with air in the cavity, producing ferric iron (Fe202). Once the cavity experiences a dry period, the film collapses onto the pre-existing chalcedony, depositing the iridescent layer that creates the fire effect. A following chalcedony band encloses the iridescent film inside the agate. This process can repeat over multiple periods of hydration and dehydration within the pocket.
Fire agate is a variety of chalcedony that often displays a metallic, shimmering iridescence known as adularescence or the Schiller Effect. It likely forms by means of fluid evaporation within a cavity that is already experiencing chalcedony deposition. In these cases, a thin iridescent film floating on the stagnant, silica-rich fluids forms as ferrous iron oxidizes when coming in contact with air in the cavity, producing ferric iron (Fe202). Once the cavity experiences a dry period, the film collapses onto the pre-existing chalcedony, depositing the iridescent layer that creates the fire effect. A following chalcedony band encloses the iridescent film inside the agate. This process can repeat over multiple periods of hydration and dehydration within the pocket.
$125
SPECIES
Chalcedony var. Fire Agate
LOCATION
Calvillo Mines, Calvillo, Calvillo Municipality, Aguascalientes, Mexico
SIZE
1.3 x .9 x .5"
CATEGORY
SUB CATEGORY
ITEM
#277873
