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Burton's Gems and Opals

Coon Hollow, Californian Fire Agate Men's Ring in 10kt Gold

Coon Hollow, Californian Fire Agate Men's Ring in 10kt Gold

Regular price $2,240.00 USD
Regular price Sale price $2,240.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

A Bit About The Piece

Following the conclusion of World War 2, rockhounding became a popular hobby for war veterans who were readjusting to civilian life.  It was common to find fire agate on the desert floor outside Blythe, California throughout the 1950's; by the 1960's, most of the readily-discoverable material had been picked over.
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This material, referred to as "Coon Hollow fire agate," did not require much effort to work and appeared naturally as the specimen in this ring does.  California material can be identified by its subtle, muted colors and waxy luster.
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Set in a durable 10 karat yellow gold men's ring, one of the last pieces of Coon Hollow material in our collection is complimented by the nugget-style mounting.  Soft colors of green, orange, yellow, red, and blue iridesce across the bubbly surface.


Details, details...

The Stone: Fire Agate, natural

  • stone count: 1
  • cut: carved, polished freeform specimen
  • stone measurements (millimeters): 14.01mm x 10.81mm x 7.19mm
  • stone measurements (inches): 0.6" x 0.4" x 0.3"
  • origin: Coon Hollow, California, United States
  • iridescence description: predominantly muted green/orange with yellow/red overtones and blue undertones

    The Setting: Bezel Set, Nugget Style Solitaire Ring

    • metal: 10kt yellow gold, solid
    • stone orientation: North-South
    • top of ring width: 16.69mm (0.66")
    • height of ring from finger: 5.14mm (0.2")
    • bottom of shank width: 3.23mm (0.1")
    • ring weight: 7.80 grams
    • approximate default ring size: 12.50
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    About Fire Agate

    Fire agate is an unlikely volcanic combination of several minerals that find themselves encapsulated in agate, a variety of quartz.  Higher grade stones are iridescent and glow similar to opal, changing vivid colors when held at different angles.  It has become increasingly difficult to find quality gem grade material on the market; the Slaughter Mountain deposit, known for producing some of the world's finest rough, sits within the San Carlos Apache reservation in Arizona.  Outsiders are charged hefty fees to mine with most excursions being fruitless.  Specialists in the field insist what little high grade material is left on the market today is actually older material mined in the 1970's.  This is also believed to be the case of material from the high quality Deer Creek (also Arizona) and Mexico deposits, as well.

    While fire agate is not technically a variety of common agate, there are advantages to its close relationship.  Ranking a reasonable 6 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, the stone is safe to be worn daily; where the material truly shines (figuratively speaking) is its superior toughness.  Fire agate makes the perfect ring for one who works with their hands and wants a piece of jewelry they can wear all the time.  It can be used safely in both engagement rings and men's rings, as well as make a far more durable alternative to opal.  Fire agate jewelry and stones can be cleaned with jewelry cleaner, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam cleaners. If none of these options are available, soap and warm water is never dangerous.

    Shipping, Handling, & Inventory

    Your order will be processed and shipped within 4 business days.  All shipments are insured by the United States Postal Service, and most orders of $500 or more will require signature confirmation upon delivery.

    While we work hard to present our online customers with accurate inventory availability, we reserve the right to cancel and refund a sale if the item is sold somewhere else first.

    Wanna Closer Look?

    We are always happy to provide additional photos and videos any time.  Just shoot us a quick message, and we'll get back to you.  Don't be shy!

    Loose Fire Agate Stones

    Check out our online sampling of loose Mexican fire agate cabochons, sourced directly from the mines of Northern Mexico.

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