Opals come in a variety of shades, which are caused by impurities of manganese, iron, nickel and other elements. Some opals have their own names depending on their color. You can admire a stone for a long time, in which you see the depths of the ocean or the vast expanses of space. But among them there is a gem that captivates with its beauty and excites the soul with a blaze of fire. This is Fire Opal.
The orange-red color of the opal, similar to a frozen flame, captivates with its fiery glow. Mexican fire opals are especially valuable because they have an incredibly rich and vibrant color. Their formation is associated with volcanic lava, but the formation of this gem took millions of years, and hot lava still lives in the stone today.
The ancient Mayans and Aztecs believed in the extraordinary power and energy of the stone, claiming that fire was raging in it. The stone was used in rituals and ceremonies, and magnificent mosaics were created with the gem. Fire opal has become the national jewel of Mexico. And although the stone has been known since ancient times, it began to be especially preferred in jewelry in the 60s and 70s of the last century. These days, the best quality fire opals are not a common find.
History and origin
Scientists know that fire opal was used by the Aztecs and Mayan tribes to make religious objects, as well as to decorate homes. These peoples revered the mineral as a symbol of unfeigned love, considering the stone a gift from a sacred bird living in paradise.
Mining of the nugget stopped after the Spanish captured these lands - the natives did not want to reveal the sacred mineral to the invaders. The mothballed mines began to be mined again only in 1835. The Mexican Highlands are home to some of the most beautiful fire opal in the world.
Do you know that fire opal is the national symbol of modern Mexico, considered the main asset of the state. This stone is also called Mexican opal or boulder.
In addition to the Aztecs and Mayans, this extraordinary gem was popular among the ancient peoples of Rome, India, and Greece. The word “upala” is translated from Sanskrit as “precious stone”. Each nation passes on its own legends about the mineral:
- For Australians, the nugget is associated with the Creator of the world, who descended to people from heaven. According to legend, fire opals are traces of the Creator.
- In India, fire gems are the crumbled body of the goddess Rainbow, who fell while running away from annoying admirers.
- The Greeks consider the mineral to be the tears of happiness of Zeus, who burst into tears after defeating the Titans.
- The Arabs believe that sparkling opals are the product of lightning.
It is interesting that the fiery mineral acquired a reputation not only as a divine stone, but also as a symbol of discord. The story tells of a beautiful copy of “The Fire of Troy”, presented by Napoleon to his wife Josephine. It is believed that it was this sign of attention that caused the couple’s divorce.
The magical properties of fire opal
In the East, especially in India, opals were deified.
They were considered stones of love, faith and compassion, and they also claimed that they, through the play of light, enlighten the mind and disperse dark thoughts and fears. Opals were endowed with the same properties in many European countries. These stones were associated with pure thoughts and were a symbol of happiness and love. In India they believed that opal promotes good communication between people. Perhaps the stone affects people's feelings and helps preserve love, but there are other examples where the gift of a stone led to the destruction of family life. It is believed that this fact happened between Napoleon and Josephine. So whether to believe or not to believe a gem, and in what cases, is your choice.
Place of Birth
Stone deposits are dispersed throughout all corners of the Earth. However, the Australian continent is considered the largest deposit of fire opals. Since the end of the 19th century, 90% of the world's stone supply has been mined here. Mexico is rightfully considered the birthplace of the most beautiful gem specimens.
This is interesting! An exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution in the United States of America is a 143.2-carat fire opal found in Mexico.
Stone quarrying sites are also famous for:
- Czech Republic.
- Türkiye.
- USA.
- Honduras.
- Kazakhstan.
- Russia.
- Brazil.
Fire gems originate in rock fractures or on the slopes of extinct volcanoes.
Interesting Facts
There are several interesting facts associated with fire opals:
- the largest specimen is exhibited at the Smithsonian Institution (USA), it weighs 143 carats;
- at the beginning of the last century, the skeleton of a small lizard was found in an Australian deposit - its bones became opals;
- The spectacular coloring of fire opals allows them to be used without cutting - the configuration of the stone can be successfully played with a fancy setting, creating a unique piece of jewelry.
Fire opals are gems with interesting colors and history. They are valued for their attractiveness, magic and healing properties. The mineral is compatible only with 5 zodiac signs, and is not compatible with some precious stones. The fire gem is fragile, so it must be treated with care.
Color varieties
Jewelers classify the fiery mineral as precious and semi-precious stones. Specimens of pale tones with weak opalescent properties are considered ornamental.
Fire opals come in white, blue, and honeysuckle colors. The latter are samples with inclusions of blue, lilac or violet colors.
There are also especially rare, valuable varieties of the mineral:
- Pinfire. This is a nugget with multi-colored iridescence. The name of the stone means "flashing."
- Fiery sunset. This mineral combines orange, red and yellow shades.
- Contra-luz. Such a stone is endowed with a play of light directed in different directions.
- Fire opal. A transparent mineral glowing with a bright orange “flame”.
Also read: Tourmaline - a stone for creative people
The rarest is the Mexican fire opal, although this nugget is devoid of pleochroism (shimmer of light visible at an angle). Only nuggets from Australia are endowed with a similar effect.
Particularly unique is the discovery of black opal with dark shades of purple, blue, gray or green.
Physical properties of the flame gem
In terms of structure and composition, fire opal stone is amorphous silica, supplemented with water (up to a third of the composition). It is a tightly “packed” ball.
- The mineral is soft, brittle, soluble in alkalis. It cracks due to heat or temperature fluctuations.
- (Semi) transparent, with a pearlescent sheen. Similar to chalcedony, chemical analysis is sometimes needed to differentiate.
The appearance of the color of fire opal differs from its “relatives”. In ordinary opals, opalescence gives a deep tone, that is, the play of reflected light on the surface. The fiery variety (except for Australian stones) does not have this property. Its color and saturation are provided by impurities, and color flashes come from the depths of the stone.
Medicinal properties
The healing power of fire opal became known to people even before the 2nd century AD. The amazing ability of the mineral lies in the fact that the stone is able to “pull” almost any disease out of a person. The spectrum of action of healing properties extends to all important functions of the human body, including:
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- problems of the nervous system – the fiery mineral has a calming effect, helps cope with stress, apathy, and insomnia;
- visual pathologies, including normalization of eye pressure;
- improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- kidney diseases;
- purification of blood from harmful substances, improving its composition;
- strengthening the immune system;
- improving brain function;
- infertility.
In addition, the mineral is able to warn the owner about the onset of a disease by dimming and losing its shine. It is better not to ignore such a signal and consult a doctor in a timely manner. And wearing a ring with a fiery nugget will protect against the epidemic.
Description
The opal family is very large and if you look at a fire stone with a critical eye, it may sometimes seem that it has no differences from other members of the group, except for its characteristic bright color. An interesting fact is that from the point of view of gemology and jewelry, this gem cannot be considered precious, but it was for this species that society made a unique exception, classifying it among the host of precious minerals. The reason for this was the unique structure and the presence of those impurities that are absent in other species.
The fire nugget differs from other similar minerals in its opalescent shine, playing with colors so that a professional can easily recognize this variety among a mass of other stones. Other species only have the ability to reflect light, but do not refract it.
Externally, the mineral looks like an ordinary crystal, but it does not even have a crystalline structure. By its nature, it is nothing more than amorphous silica, which can contain up to 10% water. If you place it under a magnifying glass, you will see balls (globules) instead of crystals. They are arranged beautifully and symmetrically.
The magic of fiery overflows
Over the centuries-old history of the mineral, there have been many legends and tales about it that contradict each other. For some peoples, fire opal symbolizes good luck and purity of feelings, while for others it is the cause of problems and strife. Perhaps this is due to the fact that not everyone is able to tame this nugget. For strong, strong-willed people, the stone will become a reliable talisman, and for weak-willed people, it will become a source of evil fate.
The magical abilities of the mineral, described by ancient people and confirmed by contemporaries, are impressive:
- A fiery gem makes a person clairvoyant. This ability helped ancient sorcerers look into the past and future. Today, magical rituals are also performed with the help of this gem - clairvoyants unravel mysteries, identify past mistakes, helping a person change his destiny.
- Fiery nuggets are reliable protectors from any evil, including witchcraft, the evil eye, curse and other negativity. In addition, the talisman wards off intrigue, gossip, and the envy of ill-wishers from the owner.
- This type of opal protects your home from thieves and natural disasters, provided that the gem or a product made from it is constantly in the house.
- A fire talisman reveals hidden talents in a person, and therefore acts as a source of inspiration for gifted individuals.
- The amulet will protect spouses from conflicts, betrayals, and separations.
- Opal will give peace of mind to someone who has suffered great grief, for example, the loss of a loved one. The talisman will help you cope with loss and find the meaning of life again. Silver jewelry with fire opal will best cope with this task.
It is worth remembering the dangerous side of using the mineral. The gem is categorically not suitable for passive individuals who love regularity and tranquility. The fire stone will cause internal discomfort, exciting feelings and consciousness. The owner of the nugget must be a person capable of taming the fiery ardor of the gem. The stone will submit to such an owner and will serve faithfully.
Important! The best setting for fire opal is gold or silver. These metals will increase the magical powers of the gem.
It is also dangerous that morality and purity of thoughts have no meaning for the gem. The stone will equally fulfill the will of its owner, good intentions or even dishonest actions.
Also read: Prehnite - a stone for predicting the future
Variety of shades
The shade of the stone is influenced by the type of impurities in the composition and their quantity. In the presence of iron oxide, the stone acquires a glow and a rich orange-red hue.
Fire opals are characterized by the presence of a pleochroism effect. It represents the ability of a gemstone to shimmer in several colors depending on the viewing angle.
Among fire gems, there are several rare types:
- fire opal;
- pinfire;
- contra-luz.
Fire opal
This gem is characterized by a bright orange or yellow-red hue, which gives the stone a flame-like appearance. Such stones are in high demand among jewelers.
Fire opal has a bright orange hue.
Pinfire
“Pinfire” literally translates from English as “flash”. This name is explained by the characteristics of the mineral. This gem shimmers brightly. It contains small colored inclusions (“flashes”).
Contra-luz
This transparent stone of a red hue is distinguished by light shimmers. They appear at different angles of incidence of sunlight and lighting intensity.
Compatibility with other stones
Fire opal belongs to the air element. Therefore, proximity to fellow Air is permissible:
- Sapphire;
- Topaz;
- Rhinestone;
- Chrysolite;
- Agate;
- Tourmaline;
- Cornelian.
The fiery nugget shows hostility towards Water gems:
- Emerald;
- Coral;
- Amber;
- Pearl.
Such proximity can lead to vibrations that are uncomfortable for the owner.
Historical excursion
The history of fire opal goes back centuries. It was valued in the ancient world and India, creating beautiful legends. The Romans considered the pebble the embodiment of honesty, the Greeks recognized it as capable of making a person a clairvoyant.
However, it is a New World gem, popular since pre-Columbian America. The Mayans and Aztecs correlated a flaming pebble with the plumage of a bird of paradise, decorating their homes and objects of worship with it. After the invasion of the Spanish conquistadors, mining of the mineral ceased, resuming three hundred years later.
Jewelry with mineral
Fire opal looks incredibly beautiful in jewelry, but it is quite difficult to work with - the stone is too fragile and porous. Therefore, most of the jewelry is pendants, pendants, earrings and brooches. Rings, cufflinks or bracelets are very rare.
The cost of the product depends on the factors that influence the cost of the insert - color saturation, degree of play of light, transparency of the opal. The most expensive specimens are orange-red stones, reaching a price of 315 US dollars per carat. Jewelry stores offer all kinds of jewelry in the following average price ranges:
- A silver pendant costs from 17 to 42 thousand rubles, and a gold one starts from 58 thousand and can reach 170 thousand rubles.
- Earrings made of silver are valued on average at about 50,000 rubles, and a product made of gold can reach a cost of 500 thousand.
- Rings made of silver start at 18 thousand rubles, and rings made of gold – from 50 thousand.
In order for the mineral to acquire an impeccable appearance, multi-stage processing is carried out, which only an expert in his field can handle. After processing, the stone is placed in a special frame of a special configuration and coated with transparent resin.
Where is it used?
The fiery variety is used in jewelry.
Treatment
Back in the 17th century, the German mineralogist Brickmann said that it is easier to find hundreds of perfect diamonds than a dozen perfect opals. Only this opal variety is processed. The process is multi-stage: elimination of surface irregularities on a diamond wheel, cabochon cutting, polishing. Only a high-class craftsman can bring jewelry opal to perfection.
Range
Fragility and porosity limit the use of the mineral.
A ring, ring or cufflinks with it are rare, but the gem is magnificent in pendants, pendants, brooches or earrings.
Fire opal pendant
Inserts in jewelry are framed with a frame of a special configuration and coated with transparent resins.
Price
The cost of a mineral is determined by its color, play of light, and degree of transparency. The darker the gem, the higher the price. The orange-red specimens have the highest price - $85–315 per carat.
How to distinguish a fake?
An imitation of natural fire opal can be made from artificial stone or opalescent glass. You can distinguish a linden gem by knowing the properties of the natural mineral:
- Pattern. The internal pattern and play of natural opal are chaotic, while those of the analogue are more ordered.
- Coloring. The fake does not change color from different viewing angles.
- Transparency. A dark line will be visible inside the fake.
- Rainbow light. If you place your fingers between the sun and a natural gem, the passing rays will color the skin in different shades. The fake does not have this feature.
In addition, only real fire opal can refract and scatter light rays. It is worth remembering the quality certificate that is attached to any natural stone in jewelry stores.
Artificial fire opal
It’s good that science has made great strides forward, and those who admire the beauty of this stone can afford to purchase the gem.
After all, its cost is much lower than natural stones, and it will not suppress your energy, because the magical and healing properties are not preserved in artificial stones. It is not so fragile and therefore can be used in all products. It will take our planet thousands of years to create natural opals, it still needs to be found, and it is difficult to process. And the beauty of the gem has already captivated many. And so, science helped us in creating artificial opal. By growing a mineral structure similar to the natural one, artificial fire opal is obtained.
How to wear fire opal jewelry?
Choosing an accompanying decoration for a fire opal is difficult, and often not even necessary. This is a mineral in its own right, too beautiful to be overshadowed. A combination with garnet, amethyst, crystal or sapphire is acceptable, if this does not contradict the image.
Jewelry with a flame gem is not suitable for everyday wear. The reason to wear such jewelry should be a luxurious party or an elite event.
When purchasing jewelry as a magical talisman, it is worth considering the time of purchase - it should be the 25th lunar day. You can use the amulet no earlier than the 11th lunar day of the next cycle.
In defense of synthetic opals
Most buyers disdain artificial stones. And we will speak in their defense.
Artificial gems do not suffer from low humidity; they better withstand adverse environmental influences. It is quite difficult to distinguish synthetic opal from natural opal visually, but the difference in price is impressive.
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Doublets, triplets, synthetic, natural...
They have recently learned how to synthesize opals in a high-quality manner. The first to create artificial stone was in Austria, in 1964. Less than ten years have passed since the Swiss Gilson began producing synthetic opals, which are in no way inferior to natural gems (even in opalescence).
Now opals are synthesized in Japan, Russia, and China.
Doublets and triplets are mainly made from Australian opals.
- A doublet is a thin slice of natural opal; a plate of another mineral (most often black onyx) is glued to it below.
- Triplet is a three-layer “sandwich”. The bottom layer is the substrate; in the middle there is a plate of natural opal, on top there is a “lid” of quartz glass. Most often it is processed in cabochon form.
Product care rules
Jewelry made from fragile opal should be used with extreme delicacy and caution. Such a stone is harmed by gassed, smoky or alcohol-contaminated air. Temperature changes can cause the gem to crack, and compression can easily deform. Several care rules must be followed, otherwise there is a risk of quickly losing a beautiful and expensive piece of jewelry:
- Do not allow the stone to dry out. To do this, you can periodically moisten the mineral with a wet cloth or sometimes place the gem in a vessel with water. An air-conditioned room is also ideal for storage.
- Protect the product from exposure to direct sunlight.
- The gem can easily be stained with food coloring, ink, or any other coloring matter, so the jewelry must be removed before such work.
- Warm water and a soft cloth are suitable for cleaning. After washing, you need to wipe the stone dry.
- Regular polishing with a silk cloth is advisable.
Also read: Ametrine - a Bolivian miracle
It is forbidden to clean fire opal with alkalis, ultrasound or freezing - the mineral will dissolve or disintegrate. If you doubt at all that you can carefully clean it yourself, it is better to seek help from a specialist.
Mining locations
The mineral is mined in many places on our planet. The largest deposits are in Australia, where almost 90% of the world's gem reserves are found annually. At the same time, Mexico is still the birthplace of the best specimens, but prospectors are finding them less and less often, so their value on the world market is very high. They are also mined in Turkey and the Czech Republic, the USA and Kazakhstan, Honduras and Brazil. Sometimes it can be found in Russia, but in small quantities.
The origin of fire minerals occurs at the depth of iron ore rocks, in mountain faults and in the depths of volcanoes that are considered extinct.
Horoscope compatibility
Fire opal is one of those stones that must be selected according to the horoscope. This gem needs complete energetic compatibility with the owner, otherwise the latter will face health problems, insomnia, and the appearance of unreasonable anxiety and fears.
The energetically fiery gem is ideally compatible with only two zodiac signs, and three more constellations have a chance to make friends with the stone.
(“+++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | + |
| Taurus | — |
| Twins | — |
| Cancer | — |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | — |
| Scales | — |
| Scorpion | +++ |
| Sagittarius | +++ |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | — |
| Fish | — |
- Scorpion. The ideal energy tandem. The talisman will help representatives of this star family achieve their goals, overcoming all obstacles. In addition, Scorpios will feel a powerful energy boost.
- Sagittarius. Also a fully compatible sign of the zodiac circle. For Sagittarius, the fiery mineral will become defenders from all the evil of this world in any of its manifestations.
- A lion. Acceptable ally for nugget. The amulet will give Leos peace of mind, suppressing aggressiveness and outbursts of anger.
- Aries will find harmony with others and with themselves.
- The Capricorn talisman will give you self-confidence and self-confidence.
It is better for other signs to refrain from using the mineral for any purpose. Energy mismatch will lead to unpredictable, often grim consequences.
What do astrologers say?
They say that everything depends on the zodiac sign, so fire opal is suitable only for Scorpios, Aries, Leos, and Sagittarius.
Astrologers believe that these people themselves have strong energy, and fire opal will help them overcome any difficulties. And for those like Leos, opal will help them find peace and relieve them of anger. But fire opal is not suitable for the rest of the zodiac signs. What to do if you like him? That's up to you to decide. Maybe you can cope with his raging energy?
Name compatibility
If a fire opal turns out to be your zodiac ally, you should pay attention to compatibility by name - perhaps the nugget protects you. Any type of opal is suitable for those named:
- Angela. For this girl, the mineral symbolizes happiness, hope and tenderness.
- Anton. Opal awakens pure thoughts in this man and grants success in love.
- Olesya. The talisman will support her in any endeavor and will also calm her soul.
- Vitaly. For him, the stone will become a “silencer” of stubbornness, inconsistency, pompousness, protecting him from nervous breakdowns. The talisman will direct Vitaly’s energy towards self-development.
Compatibility by name is only a help for the manifestation of the magic of the stone. A prerequisite is the energetic and personal union of the owner with the talisman.
Talismans and amulets
Fire opal is one of the most powerful magical stones. Sorcerers have used it as a talisman for centuries.
Magical properties are assessed in the opposite way:
- Europeans consider the stone a guarantee of happiness and good luck in love. However, Napoleon and Josephine divorced precisely after the husband presented his beloved with the bright red opal “Fire of Troy”.
- In the East, it is a symbol of disappointed hopes, leading away from reality.
Today, as protection, it is ideal for strong, creative, purposeful people. It helps regardless of the “sign” of the owner’s thoughts and choices - it will help in base passions or highly moral actions.
The talisman product helps:
- be inspired by daring projects and implement them;
- restore peace of mind after a bereavement or other shock;
- isolate yourself from external negativity (evil eye, damage), diseases, natural disasters;
- awaken “earthly” talents, the gift of prophecy or clairvoyance;
- preserve love and family hearth.
The power of the talisman is increased by a gold or silver frame.
The stone will be fatal for phlegmatic or weak-willed people. For the first, his fiery magic will destroy the usual rhythm of life, while the second will become paranoid.
Products and jewelry made of opal
Jewelry set with opal
It is believed that the shade of the stone should be selected according to the color of the eyes. At the same time, white and black representatives are suitable for all people, regardless of their appearance. Therefore, they are the most in demand.
Silver and gold are used for the frame. It is believed that black minerals cannot be included in a gold frame, as this will make them aggressive towards their wearer. Therefore, they can most often be seen in silver. Gold is often used for green, blue, cyan and yellow stones.
How much an opal costs depends on many characteristics: color, inclusions, size, rarity of the specimen, color play. The price per carat can start from $10 and go up to $5000–6000. A magic stone is not suitable for everyone; if you have doubts about purchasing it, it is better to stick to light-colored gems. And before buying, you should feel the energy of the mineral, hold it in your palms for a few minutes to understand your own sensations.
Who is it suitable for?
Gifted with a spark of creativity. Artists, writers, poets, musicians. To everyone who is able to experience the joy of the creator.
For those who are financially concerned, please do not worry. Opal does not bring wealth
