What Is a Fire Opal?

A fire opal is a specific type of opal gemstone with an orange-red color reminiscent of the color of fire. Opals can come in many varying colors but the fire opal is unique in its extravagant brilliance, especially when paired with gold mountings in jewelry.

History

Found in large deposits in Mexico, fire opals date back to the Aztec and Mayan periods, according to the International Colored Gemstone Association. The beautiful gemstones were used in artwork of the time and in ceremonies conducted within the community. Aztec figurines were also adorned with the fire opal, utilizing the natural resources of the area. Currently, the fire opal is considered Mexico's national gemstone, due to its prevalence and its brilliance, signifying passion and beauty.

Identification

According to Mexconnect, fire opals were created by volcanoes. Pockets of the mineral silica were left within rock fractures and eventually solidified, along with water that was captured within the structure. Iron oxide created the bright color, giving the gemstone its exclusive radiance. The strength of the opal depends on where it was found. Specialists have discovered that arid places, such as the desert, produce more durable fire opals that are easier to cut and sell at higher prices.

Considerations

Unlike diamonds, the fire opal gemstone is relatively delicate. Due to the water contained within the gem's structure, high heat can damage the opal by evaporating the water inside, leaving the gem clouded and splintered. It is suggested to keep a fire opal out of prolonged light exposure, such as direct sunlight, as well as to maintain its beauty with consistent polishings. Rubbing the fire opal with oil will help to prevent the loss of moisture, according to Mexconnect.

Size

Fire opals have been found in Brazil as large as a grown man's fist, according to the International Colored Gemstone Association. Gems of this size give cutters many more options for creating a unique piece of jewelry or gemstone presentation. Usually fire opals are cut into facets or into a rounded shape without faceting, depending on the size and strength of the individual gem. Cutters must be careful to preserve the delicate gemstone and prevent mistakes.

Geography

Though the largest deposits of fire opals are found in Mexico, they can also be found in Brazil, Turkey, Ethiopia, Honduras, Guatemala, Canada, Australia and the United States. Mexico is known for the fire opal in particular but Brazil's newly found deposits are beginning to become famous in their own right, due to the large size of the stones being discovered. In Mexico, the town of Magdalena, in the state of Jalisco, is known for its opal stores and varied choices of stones.

Symbolism

In gemstone symbolism, the warm glow of the orange-red color of fire opals is said to provide the wearer with mental relaxation and harmony. In 1829, one of Sir Walter Scott's popular novels was responsible for presenting the idea that opals caused bad luck, which created negative myths around the gemstone for many years. But the beauty of the fire opal was loved by the Aztecs and Mayans, who dubbed it "the stone of the bird of paradise," according to the International Colored Gemstone Association.

References

• International Colored Gemstone Association: Fire Opal
• Mexconnect: Mexican fire opals