Fire opal is a unique and rare gemstone known for its shimmering and changing colors. It is extremely prized by gemstone collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. This gemstone is often referred to as Mexican opal or Sonoran opal, as it is primarily mined in Mexico and Arizona in the United States.
The Opal of Fire: What does it hide?
Fire opal is a gemstone that belongs to the opal family. It is composed of hydrated silica and can contain up to 20% water by weight. It is this water that gives fire opal its shimmering luster. When light passes through fire opal, it is refracted and reflected through the layers of silica and water, creating a unique iridescent effect.
The colors of fire opal are often described as dancing flames, ranging from red to yellow, orange and pink. The combination of these shimmering colors can create a range of unique patterns that are often described as fireworks. Fire opal can also contain inclusions of iron, copper and other minerals, which add to its beauty and uniqueness.
Its history
Fire opal is a gemstone with a long history. It was first discovered by the Aztecs in Mexico over 700 years ago. The Aztecs believed that fire opal was the fire stone of their sun god and used it for their religious ceremonies and jewelry. Over time, fire opal became more and more prized, especially in Europe in the early 20th century, when it was introduced to high society as a rare and exotic gemstone.
Today, fire opal is used in the creation of high quality jewelry, such as rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets. Jewelers and jewelry designers especially appreciate fire opal for its ability to create unique designs and add a vibrant touch of color to their creations. Fire opal is also a birthstone for people born in October.
Fire opal is a relatively fragile gemstone, with a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It is also sensitive to temperature changes and heat, which can cause cracking and breakage. Therefore, it is important to take care of your fire opal jewelry by avoiding shocks and storing it in a cool, dry place.
Advice for buying a jewel with a Fire Opal
When purchasing fire opal jewelry, it is important to pay attention to its quality. High quality fire opals will have a shimmering luster and bright, vibrant colors, while lower quality opals may appear dull and opaque. It is also important to check whether the stone is natural or treated, as treated fire opals can lose their luster and color over time.
In summary, fire opal is a unique and beautiful gemstone, prized for its shimmering colors and exotic beauty. It has a long history and has been used in the creation of high quality jewelry for centuries. However, due to its fragility, it is important to take care of your fire opal jewelry and pay attention to the quality of the stone when purchasing. If you are looking for a rare and unique gemstone for your jewelry collection, fire opal could be the perfect stone for you.
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