Fire Agate is a stunning gemstone admired for its vivid iridescence and play of color. This type of agate is found only in the desert regions of Arizona, California, and New Mexico. Mexico, particularly its northern and central areas, is also known for rich deposits of Fire Agate. Its unique beauty and scarcity make it a favorite among rock collectors and lapidary artists.

Several Arizona locations, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, are open for public rockhounding. Notable areas include the Black Hills Rockhound Area and Round Mountain.

Undestanding Fire Agate: Formation, Location, & Lapidary Uses

Tips for Fire Agate Collecting

Fire Agate hunting is best during cooler months (fall to spring) in the desert regions, as summer temperatures can be extreme.

Fire Agate typically forms as a coating on chalcedony nodules or in cavities within volcanic rock. Look in areas with exposed basalt or rhyolite, especially where erosion may have weathered stones to the surface.

Check the Surface Texture: Fire Agate often has a botryoidal (grape-like) surface texture, making it visually distinct from other smoother chalcedony varieties.

Observe Color: Look for brown and reddish chalcedony. Moist it and check its iridescence.

Check Iridescence: Raw Fire Agate may not immediately display its vibrant colors. Hold specimens up to sunlight or wet them slightly to reveal the characteristic play of color.

Where to Find Fire Agate? - Free and Fee Collecting Sites

The Bureau of Land Management designated two areas in Arizona—Black Hills and Round Mountain—as Designated BLM Rockhound Areas.

Some deposits are located on private mining claims. While most mine owners do not allow mineral collecting, Opal Hill in California and Cuesta Fire Agate Mine in Arizona offer pay-to-dig opportunities. Please contact mine owners ahead of time to confirm operating hours and policies.

Black Hills Rockhound Area

The easy-to-reach site, located between Safford and Clifton, is open for public digging without permits and free of charge. Camping throughout the area is allowed for up to two weeks. Collecting methods include surface collecting, digging, and screening. Free camping is permitted on BLM land for up to two weeks.

Round Mountain Rockhound Area

The public rockhound site is located near the Arizona-New Mexico border, approximately 20 miles away from the town of Duncan. This is a remote desert destination, so be prepared accordingly. A 4WD high-clearance vehicle is required. Surface collecting, digging, and screening are allowed. Camping is permitted throughout the area for a maximum of two weeks.