Widely known for it's high quality fire agate gemstones and excellent lapidary fire agate rough, Deer Creek Arizona ranks high on the list of desired collected semi-precious gemstones, mineral specimens and lapidary carving material. Located in the eastern foothills of the Galiuro Mountains southwest of Safford, Arizona, this area has several active fire agate mining claims. Some of the early pioneers in fire agate mining at Deer Creek were Larry Gray, Howard Imboden, Guy Paul and Cliff Willis.
Other notable former fire agate miners include Warren Hughes, Don Van Dusen, Gene Columbo and Leon Dee Hughes. Leon Hughes graciously made a publication called 'Prospecting For And Instructions On How To Finish Fire Agate Gems', which we proudly host since Leon's passing with permission from his estate. This interesting book contains a great wealth of fire agate gemstone related information.
Please note that much of the lands at Deer Creek are Arizona State Trust Lands, Private Ranch Land, or are under Arizona State Mineral Lease or Permit. Much of the public lands are also covered by federal mining claims and closed to rockhounding. These lands are closed to ANY type of unauthorized public mineral and rock collection. Please respect the land rights of private property owners and mining claims holders at all times, as well as respecting all of our public lands for current and future generations.
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