Fire Agate, known as the spiritual flame of absolute perfection, carries a great mystery locked inside its deep brown crystal. You need only touch the stone and fiery embers ignite. Peer into its depths and flames leap within its chambers. Study it closely and it will almost show you its secrets. Almost. Fire Agate is a variety of Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. It has a translucent deep reddish-brown base, with flashes of orange, red, green and gold that appears as living flames within the gem. Its iridescent colors are caused by light interference on thin layers of iron oxide or limonite crystals within the Chalcedony. Historically, Fire Agate was used in alchemy because it was believed to contain the essence of fire. In many traditions sacred to fire deities, it encouraged timid adults and shy children to speak up and not be ignored or bullied. It is a stone of integrity, encouraging high standards of behavior in self and others, and promotes passion in love and in life. Metaphysically, Agate has a lower intensity and vibrates to a slower frequency than other stones, but is highly regarded as a stabilizing and strengthening influence. Fire Agate provides a steady, vibrant energy that stimulates a zest for living. It awakens the lower chakras and lights one's inner fires of Life Force, creativity, sexuality and will. It brings back to focus the Divine blueprint of one's life purpose and increases the pleasures in everyday life.