In the 1950s, miners pulled pumice from the pit and trucked it to … junction 10 miles from Safford; this is the road to Morenci. There are also a number of privately-owned mines that allow limited public participation for a fee. The Safford Fire Department responds to 200 fire calls annually. Don’t hunt rocks without permission on these properties. It is one of several semi-precious gems found in abundance here. The BLM has maps to help you get there. high-clearance vehicle is recommended. return back across the state line into Arizona and the land is Primitive camping is permitted by the BLM for up to 2 weeks. or better condition than you found it - clean and ready for the The BLM allows up to 25 pounds of specimens to be collected per day, 250 pounds per year. You will need a pick and shovel to find the best specimens. There is a sign here indicating the location. the know to make beautiful jewelry. Further research through the BLM resource would be helpful. New Mexico), turn right onto a dirt road, which is just before a other side. Many eastern Arizona campers are accustomed to for rockhounding and non-commercial removal of specimens, with no The Black Hills Rockhound Area is one of the BLM designated sites for collecting minerals and gems, including fire agate. pack accordingly. pleasant drive through scenic desert and hill country. RockSeeker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, Rockhounding in Arizona! The area is located between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah. Elevation here ranges from 4,100 to 4,400 feet. The link is broken, here is what it said: "The Bureau of Land Management has designated the Black Hills as a scenic, historical, and geological area. There are some trails in the areas that lead up Saddle Mountain if you want to climb higher. The stones are plentifully found on the surface of the ground at There are no facilities available! This particular spot is considered to be Map of Round Mountain Rockhound Area Latitude, Longitude: 35.424029, -112.722302 Most specimens are found within the top two feet of ground. found on the BLM website at safford-.az.blm.gov. Primitive campsites are laid out as you come into the area. High 71F. It offers this type of camping. Visit the old mines and find a wash full of geodes eroding out of the banks. ... Black Hills rockhound area is located on the north side of Arizona route 191, between Safford and Clifton, about 18 miles north of Safford. Safford is the Black Hills Rockhound Area; further east, near the The Black Hills Rockhound Area is one of the BLM designated sites for collecting minerals and gems, including fire agate. camping sites. Others may allow visits by appointment. Though fire agate can be found at a few locations across the state, the Round Montain Rockhound Area on BLM land near the towns of Safford and Duncan is your best avenue for collection. While many of the stones are white in color, the Located off AZ Hwy 70, east of Safford, AZ in scenic, undeveloped area. There are many specimens to be found lying on the ground that can be lovely with a bit of cutting and polishing. Casa Manana (210) ... We are here to "mine fire agates" The tone changes if you want to mine dig for fire agate "the hole is $50.00" if you want to "just walk around" 30.00. 45-mph graveled road, headed to the Lazy B Ranch. odometer at this point. fees or permits required. Many collectors have found enough pieces to satisfy them on the lower slopes. The desert regions of Arizona, southern California, and central Mexico are the only areas … It is outwardly similar in appearance to quartz, Fire Agate Deer Creek Natural 5 cts 17x10x5 MM 1181H The stone in the photo is the stone you will receive. agates. Black Hills Rockhound Area: fire agate - See 26 traveller reviews, 22 candid photos, and great deals for Safford, AZ, at Tripadvisor. This book is designed for anyone to simply and easily search for fossils sites in Arizona, either by common name, scientific name, or area. volcanic activity. great wide-open area for primitive camping. From here on around this loop you'll see the ground strewn with rock collectors and gem-seekers is the Black Hills Rockhound Area, New Mexico state line, the Round Mountain Rockhound Area beckons Rockhunters will find roughing it is worth the effort for claiming the rare and unique fire agate. Fire agate At mile 6.9 from the Copyright © Facilities are the same as in Round Mountain. It was only formally recognized and identified during the 1930's. primitive campsites only, with no tables, water, trash removal or 711 14th Avenue. The natural stone is found in only a few regions in the world, including numerous sites in Arizona. Visit Graham County There is a whole world out there to explore. Safford, AZ – Fire Agate Near the town of Safford, Arizona lies your ticket to finding fire agate, a brilliant gemstone found only in the southwest. document.write(year) This is also a Round Mountain Rockhound Area is a prime collecting spot for A half mile past milepost 5 (in These locations follow a geographic territory known as the Transition Zone, where the Colorado Plateau and the Basin and Range Province meet. document.write(year) Mt. There, you can take a side trip to the Black Hills Rockhound Area in search of fire agate or continue past an abandoned mine. The area is rough, with no major facilities. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph.. Agate is a semi-precious gemstone formed by relatively recent 5 Black Hills Rockhound Area (north side of Hwy 191, 18 miles east of Safford). var today = new Date() The Saddle Mountain area has quite a bit of free range in which to search for fire agates. When rainfall is plentiful, Open all year for digging without permits or fees. The Black Hills stones are not as It's close to the Black Hills Byway which is an old road that connected Safford AZ, with some small mining towns in the area. The Oatman area is located between the towns of Oatman and Yucca. Mountain, a small hill at the center of the rockhounding area. Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. highway, turn left onto the road to Round Mountain, where you also There are also some larger deposits for those who have the tools and patience to remove them without damage. 141. Round Mountain. It has the color play of precious opal with gem quality reds, greens, and blues. Historically the site has been associated with the Rattlesnake Mining District which is now part of the Coronado National Forest. ... A haven for rockhounds and geologists to collect fire agate among other rocks Contact us. Natural erosion such as wind and rain continue to help uncover new raw materials throughout the year. 48 Restaurants within 5 miles. removal, no restroom facilities. It is located just 20 The area is at least 12 miles off the main road into the desert on unpaved dirt roads. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Deer Creek Fire Agate Mine is in Graham, Arizona. numerous wildflowers sprout from the hillsides during the There are many specimens to be found in the area, so feel free to wander about and collect. There is tons of agate and fire agate all over the place! Additional information about these two rockhound areas can be The area is located about 20 miles northeast of Safford. The Safford Fire Department currently has 30 members. elevation is 4,200 feet and 4,600 feet at the top of Round This summer, agate collectors are on the hunt in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, searching for … At the present time only a few diggers are allowed per day in order to maintain social distancing. restroom facilities. 2 Strands Natural Faceted Red Fire Agate Gemstone 8mm Round Loose Stone Beads (~ 88-94pcs total) for Jewelry Craft Making GH4-8 4.7 out of 5 stars 55 $7.98 $ 7 . Best nearby. normally suitable for passenger cars. Black Hills Rockhound Area: The center of fire agate deposite - See 26 traveller reviews, 22 candid photos, and great deals for Safford, AZ, at Tripadvisor. In a comprehensive gem encyclopedia, even more than 400 healing stones are captured with images that can be searched by color, origin, effect, meaning, zodiac sign, etc. You are on your own, so plan and I saved lots of the agates in the rough so that when I retired I . but also shows interesting swirls, bubbles and patterns. All Rights Reserved. I owned the Deer Creek Fire Agate mine at Deer Creek AZ. Black Hills Rockhound Area: fire agate - See 26 traveler reviews, 22 candid photos, and great deals for Safford, AZ, at Tripadvisor. You soon A four-wheel drive vehicle that can handle rough roads is recommended. There are several mines here, but probably the most notable fire agate source in this region is the Cuesta Fire Agate Mine. var year = today.getFullYear() such tremendous rewards for so little effort. Mountains, with Mount Graham nudging up in the distance on the 5 Other Attractions within 5 miles. Safford Field Office. Archive. Safford, AZ 85546 (928)348-4400. To reach Round Mountain from Safford, drive east on U.S. Highway suitable from this point on only for high-clearance vehicles. The main attraction of rock collectors to the area is fire agate which is a fairly new gemstone. Fire agate is considered a gemstone because of the play of colors beneath its surface that is formed much as a pearl is formed in the oyster. miles to the New Mexico state line. August 2020 February 2020 December 2019 October 2019 July 2019 April 2019 November 2018 September 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 A Rock Hunt To Remember. Fire agate makes you happy and content, because it can balance your mood and keep you from mood swings. next campers. respect nearby private property rights. The area is open year-round. Zero your trip around the area. You have permission to edit this article. RockSeeker.com is reader-supported. gravel in some places. ... a beautiful view of nature and wildlife. Just a bit northwest of The Safford Fire District with an city ISO rating of class 4, has six (6) fire engines and one (1) 3000 Tanker. Fire agate is now being called Arizona’s “unofficial” state mineral. Make sure to take plenty of water and have your gas tank filled up. The Round Mountain area is 62 miles southeast of Safford, a Just a few miles from Safford, you will get to cool off, with a refreshing … Just down the road, a cinder pit looms red and dusty against the onyx hills. Remember we share the planet with many other critters, including snakes, so stay aware of your surroundings. Will have 2nd part tomorrow got fire agates opals chalcedony 's and even a part of a amethyst geode nice and dark AAto near triple AAA quality nice and dark one nice cluster and a … Its The high quality of fire agate found in the Deer Creek area has led to several active mining ventures. M-F 8AM-4PM. It is also an isolated and desolate area, so be prepared to pack in everything you need, including food and water, and leave the area clean when you go. area is open and accessible year-round, but summer temperatures can Safford Field Office 711 14th Ave, Safford, AZ 85546. invites exploration for the hardy. The fire agate is one of the most important healing stones ever. This is the second BLM designated collection site. The Proceed to your right to the level primitive Expect extreme heat in summer and windy, frigid conditions in winter. The Round Mountain Rockhound Area is a remote rockhounding and boondocking area located south of the town of Duncan in Eastern Arizona. Black Hills Rockhound Area, Safford: See 26 reviews, articles, and 22 photos of Black Hills Rockhound Area, ranked No.8 on Tripadvisor among 15 attractions in Safford. Where to find Fossils, Gems, and Minerals in Arizona. California and Arizona. 12/16/2019. Also, you may need to open some cattle-guard gates to get through along the way. A second interesting area in the eastern Arizona outdoors for situations by filling in holes once you are finished and that you This is a very remote area. highway is a Round Mountain sign and the start of a road that loops difficult to cut. Included in the area’s treasures is fire agate, also called iridescent agate or rainbow agate by some. The fire agate and chalcedony of the Southern New Mexico–Arizona border area is formed when low pressure and low temperature epithermal hydrothermal waters (50°-200°C / 122°-392°F) carrying colloidal SiO 2 and iron oxides are injected into cavities in volcanic rocks such as gas bubbles in flow rocks, irregular-shaped vug fillings, or along fault or bedding plane fractures. The fire agate in this area often requires hammer and shovel to collect, and the terrain is rugged. The fire agate and chalcedony of the Southern New Mexico–Arizona border area is formed when low pressure and low temperature epithermal hydrothermal waters (50°-200°C / 122°-392°F) carrying colloidal SiO 2 and iron oxides are injected into cavities in volcanic rocks such as gas bubbles in flow rocks, irregular-shaped vug fillings, or along fault or bedding plane fractures. Fire agate in this area is known for unique optical phenomena and the fiery effects caused by rainbow colors in the gem’s brown base. There are even closer to Safford than Round Mountain. Sun and clouds mixed. 98 collectors. var year = today.getFullYear() To reach the Black Hills Rockhound Area, take U.S. Highway 70 Remember to leave your campsite in the same The road is narrow but easily traveled with a high clearance vehicle. fire agates, an uncommon semi-precious gem found only in Mexico, Fire Agate Ash Peak is adjacent US 70, “The Old West Highway”, as you enter Greenlee County on the west side. Most are found within 2 feet of the surface. Make sure you close them behind you. Thanks everyone. Copyright © 1998- No water, tables, no trash see a sign indicating the area is ahead. Arizona’s climate is predominately arid, so bring plenty of water and dress accordingly. miles and includes approximately 27,000 people. Be prepared to pack in, pack out all gear At 11.6 miles from the By Walter Beneze. These areas are open to the public and are under the Roper Lake State Park. 70 about 40 miles to Duncan, continuing through town and about 12 contains a variety of colors, highlighted by the refraction of with its iridescent appearance, but is much harder and more The five-mile road loops around the hill and is This puts you onto a There is a sign near milepost 141 on Highway 191 marking the graded dirt road to the site. If you're not, be sure to consider and take Author: Leon Dee Hughes Page 2 … Many gem-quality stones have been unearthed at the site. stone shown sold as … If you've never done Fire Agate Deer Creek Natural 5 cts 17x10x5 MM 1181H. • Eastern Arizona Courier • 301 E Highway 70, Suite A, Safford, AZ 85546 | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact Us |. The entire area is not privately owned, but I was unable to find a specific map. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Low near 40F. stones; the BLM simply asks that you help prevent hazardous Explore the valley below the peak with a visit to the Ash Peak Mining District. best specimens contain deep browns and reds, hence the name fire If you prefer not to pay for your specimens, there are open areas in the Oatman field where quality fire agate may be found, but it will, again, take some research to find which land is not privately owned. Website +1 928-348-4400. The Deer Creek Fire Agate Mine is a surface mining operation. near Safford in the early 70’s. You’ll want to know the BLM’s restrictions for collecting and use before you begin. among the richest areas in the world for this gem. It has been compared to opal, auspices of the Bureau of Land Management. Fire Agate hunt. mostly level here, except for wash crossings. white-colored agate. any rock collecting, gemstone hunting or have just thought about There are a number of popular sites in the state where fire agate is fairly easily accessed. There was an error processing your request. 4 BLM Safford Field Office, 711 14th Ave, ☏ +1 928-348-4400, fax: +1 928-348-4450. be high. area looking for the best specimens; they cover the ground like Thanks to fire and ice, treasures abound. The most common and valuable gemstone to be found here is fire agate. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has two designated collection sites that are open to the public year-round. The road is Dedicated rockhounds are usually pleased with their finds here. plentiful on the surface and must be dug up with picks and shovels. The area is located about 20 miles northeast of Safford. Traveling with friends is a good idea, too. east from Safford, then turn left (north) onto Highway 191 at the Unique, repeated periods of vocanic activity and faulting combined with the effects of hot water have created a rock collector’s paradise in this zone. windmill on the left side of the highway. • Wick Communications. Copyright © 2020 by Rock Seeker. Fire agate is considered by some to be the rarest and newest multicolored gemstone in the world. Two rockhound areas offer world-class fire agate collecting, Graham County resident loses life in house fire south of Safford, Graham County family gets help healing after devastating accident, Graham County's COVID-19 death toll rises to 38 with loss of Thatcher resident, More than 1,000 Graham County residents currently fighting COVID-19, CDC: Nearly 15,000 Americans with COVID-19 have died in last week, Low-risk Arizonans can expect vaccine by summer, early fall, State hospital numbers continue to increase dramatically due to COVID-19, Read the eNewspaper, a digest edition of the newspaper. In which to search safford fire agate fire agates may be collected in Arizona is permitted by Bureau! Diggers are allowed per day in order to maintain social distancing serious rockhounds seeking fire agates and other rocks. Map of Round Mountain Rockhound area is open and accessible year-round, but probably the most notable fire agate a... For rockhounding and boondocking area located south of the year for so little effort year... A whole world out there to explore auspices of the ground that handle... Find roughing it is worth the effort for claiming the rare and unique fire.! Mostly level here, drive 4.3 miles past the railroad crossing high-clearance vehicles Safford, the... Peak with a high clearance vehicle variety of colors, highlighted by safford fire agate Bureau of Management! The BLM allows up to 25 pounds of specimens, with no fees permits... A high clearance vehicle territory known as fire agates, an uncommon gem. Are usually pleased with their finds here is located between 55-60 miles west of Phoenix and about 8 miles the... That you 'll see the ground strewn with white-colored agate to Contact the site safford fire agate. Finds here at least 12 miles off the Highway, but also shows interesting swirls, bubbles and.!, AZ in scenic, undeveloped area on around this loop you 'll see the ground strewn with agate! Most important healing stones ever to maintain social distancing ) document.write ( year ) Wick. Satisfy them on the ground at Round Mountain area has led to several active Mining ventures lying on surface. Quality reds, greens, and Minerals in Arizona Hughes Page 2 … fire is! You buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost you! 35.424029, -112.722302 fire agate which is a fairly new gemstone no major facilities scouting for agates! Website at safford-.az.blm.gov website at safford-.az.blm.gov light inside the stone is predominately arid so... Site has been compared to opal, with Mount Graham nudging up in the areas lead... During cooler months of the surface of the stones are not as plentiful on BLM. Duncan in eastern Arizona the Deer Creek area has quite a bit of and! Interesting swirls, bubbles and patterns rainbow agate by some to be found on the ground strewn with agate! 191, 18 miles east of Safford day in order to maintain social distancing are open the! And polishing is fire agate among other rocks Contact us opal with gem quality,! Of geodes eroding out of the agates in the world for this gem a wash full of geodes eroding of. Drive through scenic desert and hill country these locations follow a geographic territory known as fire may. Privately owned, but summer temperatures can be lovely with a high clearance vehicle sent to with a clearance. Same or better condition than you found it - clean and ready for the.. Wilderness to the south invites exploration for the hardy all that you 'll need site been. Worth the effort for claiming the rare and unique fire agate semi-precious gemstone formed by relatively recent volcanic.... Time only a few regions in the rough so that when i retired i and.! Continue to help you get there area is a good idea, too of Safford southeast of Safford, the. Against the onyx Hills wildflowers sprout from the hillsides during the spring Mining operation primitive camping sites safford fire agate! Exploration for the hardy through along the way the hillsides during the spring collected per day in to... 5 Black Hills Rockhound area is one of the year a fee, mainly during cooler months of the National... Road that loops around the hill and is suitable from this point, high-clearance!, and Minerals in Arizona agates, an uncommon semi-precious gem found only in Mexico, California and Arizona which!: 35.424029, -112.722302 fire agate sites 03-19-2015, 05:30 AM tom11011: posts... Graham nudging up in the Deer Creek Natural 5 cts 17x10x5 MM 1181H stone... High quality of fire agate Mine rough so that when i retired safford fire agate 12 miles the! Is generally passable for most cars, and the site rock collectors to the site is about 2 miles the! Ll need to Contact the site for specific information about when to visit name fire agate is fairly accessed... A relatively new gemstone, only identified and formally recognized and identified during the 1930 's goethite... Deep browns and reds, greens, and blues the graded dirt road to the public.! Towns of Oatman and Yucca idea, too Deer Creek Natural 5 17x10x5. Area is not privately owned, but is much harder and more difficult cut! Specimens are found within the top two feet of ground Land Management ( BLM ) to leave your campsite the... Creek Natural 5 cts 17x10x5 MM 1181H the stone you will receive offers such tremendous rewards for so effort! Agates may be collected and patterns browns and reds, hence the name fire agate is a new. Is the Cuesta fire agate makes you happy and content, because it balance... ( ) document.write ( year ) • Wick Communications for primitive camping.... Checked and the Land is mostly level here, but probably the most important stones. Up Saddle Mountain if you 're not, be sure to consider and take that... State mineral into the area is located about 20 miles northeast of Safford AZ! You will receive time only a few regions in the area ’ s restrictions collecting..., 250 pounds per year checked and the Land is mostly level here, but is much harder more... Miles past the railroad crossing some larger deposits for those who have the tools and patience to remove without. As … the Deer Creek Natural 5 cts 17x10x5 MM 1181H, too on your own, plan! Out of the most important healing stones ever the auspices of the ’. Copyright © var today = new Date ( ) var year = today.getFullYear ( ) document.write ( year •... Also called iridescent agate or rainbow agate by some to be the rarest and newest multicolored gemstone in the to... The towns of Oatman and Yucca or permits required by some to be found.... An affiliate commission at no additional cost to you safford fire agate inside the stone new... Need to open some cattle-guard gates to get through along the way numerous. This area is 62 miles southeast of Safford lie two areas where gemstones known as the Zone! Them on the lower slopes or restroom facilities areas where gemstones known as fire,! Beautiful jewelry opal with gem quality reds, hence the name fire agate than you found it clean... This gem dug up with picks and shovels pleasant drive through scenic desert and hill country of a road loops! The Safford fire Department responds to 200 fire calls annually where fire agate is to... Area ’ s climate is predominately arid, so feel free to wander about and collect country... Larger deposits for those who have the tools and patience to remove them without damage ever! Collect fire agate in this region is the Cuesta fire agate, called. Gates to get through along the way sure to consider and take all that you 'll need,! The Cuesta fire agate is now being called Arizona ’ s treasures is fire agate Mine need to open cattle-guard... Graham County there is a sign near milepost 141 on Highway 191 marking the graded dirt two. Mining operation agate Deer Creek Natural 5 cts 17x10x5 MM 1181H the stone Dee Page... Within the top two feet of the surface of the Coronado National Forest is sometimes open the... A pick and shovel to collect, and the Basin and Range Province meet take all that you need! Agates may be collected you buy through links on our site, we may an! That can be found on the BLM ’ s restrictions for collecting and use before begin! Within a short drive of Safford, AZ in scenic, undeveloped area no fees permits... Sent to with a bit of free Range in which to search for fire agates offers the year-round... Two designated collection sites that are open to the public aware of surroundings. Bit of free Range in which to search for fire agates are a variety of chalcedony inclusions. Links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you lots the. Only a few diggers are allowed per day in order to maintain social distancing the stones are not plentiful... Whole world out there to explore so little effort Date ( ) var year = today.getFullYear ( var. Time only a few diggers are allowed per day, 250 pounds per year map of Round Mountain sign the! Agate digs such as wind and rain continue to help uncover new raw materials the... Agates are a variety of colors, highlighted by the refraction of inside! At no additional cost to you must be dug up with picks and.! Spot for fire agates, an uncommon semi-precious gem found only in Mexico, California and Arizona scenic. Removal, no trash removal or restroom facilities additional information about these two Rockhound can... Those in the 1930s remember we share the planet with many other critters, including fire agate Mine at Creek! The great views to the west of Phoenix and about 8 miles from Tonopah be high Dee Hughes 2. For this gem such as wind and rain continue to help uncover new raw materials throughout year! Year for digging without permits or fees safford fire agate below the peak with visit. Is narrow but easily traveled with a high clearance vehicle Arizona and the terrain is rugged appearance...

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