Fire Agate (Chalcedony)
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Crystal structure:
Trigonal
Composition:
Silicon Dioxide
Hardness:
7
SG:
2.61
RI:
1.53-1.54
DR:
0.004
Luster:
Virteous

Fire Agate belongs to the chalcedony family of microcrystalline quartzes. These stones are either solid colored or have bands or mosslike or dendritic inclusions (agates). The distinctive iridescents colors of fire agate are caused by layers of iron oxide within the quartz. This rainbow effect may be brought out by cutting in cabochons.

Occurence: Fire agate is found in the USA Arizona and Mexico.