1 Rock Window
The rounded shapes in this window are not glass but are a naturally occurring mineral called agate. Agate normally forms in voids, or spaces, in pre-existing formations, most often within volcanic rocks. For example, spaces can be created by gas bubbles trapped within liquid volcanic material that remain as “holes” in the rock as it cools and hardens. Sort of like… Swiss cheese. Over time, these holes can be slowly filled in by succeeding layers of silicon-rich material seeping into the space. Successive layers slowly build up on the walls of the cavity gradually working their way inwards as the space gets smaller and smaller. Like tree rings, the growth of agates is reflected in the successive rings of crystal laid down over time. Looking carefully at the inner-most ring, surrounding the empty space in the center, one can see the crystalline structure of the final layer. More often than not the apex of each individual crystal will point to the center of the cavity.
Incredible variation can result when thin layers of chalcedony, often alternating with layers of crystalline quartz, form beautiful banded agates as can be seen in this window. The strength of these “rocks” make it possible to cut slices that are so thin that light can pass through them to illuminate the brightly colored crystal within.
2 The Artist: Cami Dailey
The creation of this window was made possible by a mini-grant from the Cedar City Arts Council. Made with cut agate accented by blue, white and orange glass, set in a custom frame, it took over 200 hours to complete. This beautiful piece was created by Cedar City artist, Cami Dailey.