Tomorrow, January 31, Tucson Showplace will be hosting an author's event. Held in space A1, authors Johann Zenz, Brad Cross, Roger Clark, Karen Brzys, Scott Wolter and Hans Gamma will be discussing their books, and afterward will be answering questions and signing copies. You can either reserve a copy of a specific book, or bring one that you already own.
The event will highlight the authors' love of agates and jaspers, and costs $10.50; seating is limited, so if you are interested in the event you are urged to contact The Gem Shop, Inc online where you can reserve your ticket today.
Tucson Showplace is a satelite show located off I-10.
Agates and jaspers are related rocks comprised of microscopic quartz crystals (called cryptocrystaline quartz, or chalcedony). They are very popular when polished. They come in myriad forms, with new varieties discovered and named every year. Arizona is famous for its fire agate, a dark red form with opalized green highlights visible in light (called 'fire'). There is a collection area for fire agate near Safford, Arizona.
Other related rocks are flint and chert (used by native Americans for arrow heads) and onyx.
These rocks are common enough to be inexpensive to collect; however they generally show best when cut and polished. You will often see them displayed in tubs of water or with spray bottles to show off their polish, and they are commonly cut into thin slabs.
Fire agate is different, as its fire depends on leaving the right amount of material. According to people who are experienced in working with it, polish too little and you may not get enough fire, polish too far and you may lose it altogether.
In its raw form, however, you can often see the hint of fire, and the nodular bulky melted look of the dark red among the banded white of the surrounded rock, makes fire agate beautiful in its own right.
Many forms of agate are available at the various shows, including Arizona petrified wood, agatized coral (a beautiful form), fire agate for jewelry, or already set, and hundreds of thin slabs, awaiting an artist's imagination.
Simon and Schuster's Guide to Rocks and Minerals was consulted for information regarding the relationship of agates to other quartz forms, and serves a terrific field guide to rocks and minerals.
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