Fire Opal: Properties, Benefits & Meanings
Fire Opal Overview
Fire Opal is a rare variety of opal that is considered to be on par with precious stones like emeralds and rubies.
Opal is one of the most precious gemstones in the world. It is rare and unique, with a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Common Opal is a form of hydrated silica spheres, meaning that water is trapped inside the Opal’s structure, making it softer than other gems.
This article will take a look into the properties, uses, and meanings of the Fire opal gemstone.
What Is The Fire Opal?
Fire opal is a type of Opal having bright orange or red color. These opals are also called Mexican fire opals and are composed of hydrated silica. The name “fire” refers to this type of Opal’s intense, fiery color.
They are precious gemstones that can be cut into jewelry or used as ornamental stones. They are opaque stones used in jewelry and other decorative items like earrings and pendants and for their healing properties.
In Opal Jewelry, these stones are typically placed in Gold or White Gold settings where they display a scattering of white light, creating a beautiful effect.
Other Opal Types
While Fire opal is widely considered the rarest form of opal, some other types of opal, such as the Natural Ethiopian Opal Cabochon, are considered quite rare as well. Following are the famous varieties of the precious Opal stones:
- Crystal Opal
- Translucent Opal
- White Opal
- Ethiopian Opal
- Blue Opal
- Doublet Opals
- Australian Opal/Boulder Opal
- Synthetic Opal
- Black Opal
How Did Opal get its name?
The name Opal is believed to be adopted from both the Sanskrit word “upala, “meaning “jewel,” and its Greek derivative, “opállios,” which means “to see a change in color.”
Fire/Mexican Opal Appearance
Mexican Opal can be transparent as well as translucent. Small opals are generally cut as cabochons, while larger pieces tend to be faceted.
The gemstone comes in various colors, including blue-green, purple-red, yellowish orange, greenish-yellow, pinkish red, and brownish yellow, with black veins running through them like tree bark or spiderwebs. The most valuable types of fire opal are those with vivid reds and oranges with minimal black veining throughout the stone.
Synthetic opals generally have the same appearance as genuine ones.
Historical Facts About Opals
Opal was a rare and valuable gemstone in antiquity. In Europe, it was a gem even prized by royalty.
During the Middle Ages, Opal was considered a particularly powerful and lucky gem because it combined the properties of other gems whose colors were visible in their own hues. However, in the 19th century, superstition held that opals were unlucky and symbolized death and the evil eye.
On 23 July 1993, Opal was made the national gemstone of Australia.
Where Can You Find Mexican Opal?
Following Opal mines around the world are the main sources of beautiful opal stone:
Physical Properties
| Mineral Group | Opal |
| Formula | SiO2. nH2O |
| Chemical name | Hydrated Silica |
| Color | Red, Orange |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 6 – 6.5 |
| Refractive Index | 1.370 – 1.470 |
| Fluorescence | Green, brown |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Specific Gravity | 1.97 – 2.22 |
| Crystal System | Amorphous |
Cost And Value
The value of a precious Opal depends on many factors, including its size, cut, and quality.
- Size: Size is an influential factor in determining the price of an Opal. Larger stones are more valuable as they are rarer to find. So, a large Opal fetches a higher price than a small one.
- Color and intensity: The most valuable Mexican Opals are those which have a bright, vivid red color. Darker colors tend to be less valuable than lighter tones. Intensity refers to the strength of the color, with stronger colors being more valuable.
- Shape: The shape of an Opal also affects its value. The most desirable cut is a cabochon with an oval-shaped top and flat bottom. While round stones are usually preferred, other shapes can command higher prices depending on their rarity and beauty.
- Cut: Finely cut opals are much more expensive than rough opals. Uncut opals do not have the same brilliance as cut Opals. This Opal has a very soft hardness, so it’s crucial that your gemstone is cut precisely for maximum brilliance. If it is cut poorly, it will not show off its best features and may look dull or cloudy when viewed through magnification.
- Quality: The quality of the Fire Opal is also essential. If it has been treated with any heat or chemicals, it will lose its value. It will fetch a higher price if it’s bright and clear compared to a stone with visible flaws or cloudiness. The AAA quality Opal cabochon is considered the best rating for a genuine Opal.
How To Tell If It Is Real?
Before purchasing a precious Opal gemstone, you consider these few things.
- Color: Check the color for vibrancy and monotony. If it’s monotonous and lacks depth, it is likely fake. Look for natural color changes, which are most common in the center of the pearl.
- Luster: Natural Opal has a high luster, which means it will reflect light when you view the stone from different angles. If it doesn’t, chances are the stone is not genuine. In addition, the luster of the Fire Opal should be bright and clean, not dull or cloudy.
- Acetone Test: Submerge the Fire Opal stone in acetone, then take it out after 15 minutes or an hour. If the gem’s color comes off or is faded, then it is most likely fake.
- Check for inclusions: Inclusions are natural cracks or lines in the gem that gives it character. It is likely fake if the Opal is too smooth and lacks inclusions.
If you are unsure whether something is authentic, bring it to a gemological expert for verification.
Chakra Connection
Fire Opal has a powerful connection to the root chakras, namely:
Root Chakra
The root chakra, located at the base of the spine, controls our feelings of safety and security. If you feel like nothing can ever go right for you, then it is time to work on this chakra.
Fire Opal is an excellent stone because it helps you feel grounded and secure in your surroundings. It also enables you to let go of the things that no longer serve you so that they can be replaced with more positive energy. It helps you deal with any issues causing you to feel insecure and nervous.
Sacral Chakra
The sacral chakra, located near the lower abdomen, controls your emotions and sexuality, as well as your creativity and ability to give and receive love. It helps you overcome fears of intimacy and experience true happiness with others. In addition, It also controls our feelings of creativity and sexuality. If you feel you are stuck in a rut and unable to express yourself in a way that feels authentic to who you actually are, then it is time to work on this chakra.
Fire Opal is a good stone for this because it helps you feel more open and honest about your feelings. In addition, it enables you to feel connected with those around you so you can share your love openly with them.
Which Birthstone Is It?
Common Opals are the official birthstone for those who are born in October. In relation to the common opal, the Mexican opal is also a birthstone. It can be a great gift to give a loved one on their birthday or anniversary.
What does Fire Opal Symbolize?
- Abundance: Fire Opal is a stone of abundance. It attracts money and good fortune and helps you maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is said to help with career opportunities, academic success, and business ventures. It is a good stone for business owners and those looking for new opportunities, as it can be used to attract financial success, love, and friendship.
- Self-Esteem: It is also said to promote self-esteem and confidence, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an emotional boost or help with their self-image. It can be used to help you embrace your goals and dreams, as well as provide you with the motivation you need to achieve them. It can also encourage you to follow your passion and reach for the stars, as well as help you let go of any self-doubt that might be holding you back.
- Love: Fire Opal is associated with love, passion, and romance. It is said to be a stone of fidelity and can help strengthen bonds between partners or attract new ones. It can attract the right kind of love into your life and keep you safe from negative influences. It is said to provide protection against emotional trauma and assist with overcoming addictions and dependencies.
Fire Opal Meaning And Uses
- The energy of Fire Opal can help you balance your emotions and find peace within yourself. This stone is a good choice for those who want to change their life for the better and find joy in their daily activities. It can also help you bring about positive changes in your relationships with others.
- The stone is said to help you remain focused and connected to your true self. It is also known to help you eliminate fear, anger, and resentment from your life. It can increase your self-confidence, helping you express yourself openly without worrying about other people’s thoughts. Fire Opal can help you connect with your emotions and feelings, which may lead to spiritual growth.
- Fire Opal is a stone of passion and desire. It can help you find your passion, whatever it may be, and increase the intensity of this passion. This stone can help you to connect with your sexual energy and use it for creative purposes.
- Fire Opal Cabochon enhances creativity, allowing you to develop new ideas and solutions quickly. It improves your communication skills and helps you find the right words for any situation. It is an excellent stone for writers, as it can help one find the right words for any situation. This stone also benefits artists because it enhances creativity and imagination.
- Fire Opal is a stone of transformation and can help you to change your life for the better. It can also give you the courage and determination to make those changes happen. It can help you make changes in your life, whether big or small. This stone is said to help one go through the necessary changes needed during a transformation. It can help you overcome any fears that may arise during this process, especially if you are afraid of failure.
- Fire Opal is a protective stone that protects you from psychic attacks, environmental stressors, or unhealthy people. If someone is jealous or envious of your success, this stone may help them to accept it instead of trying to take it away from you.
- Fire Opal is a wonderful stone for healing emotional wounds. It is said to be particularly effective with past-life issues, helping you to let go of old hurts and move forward with your life. It can also help you to find the courage and strength to leave a bad relationship or job. It can help you to release feelings of grief, anger, or fear and replace them with love and joy. It will encourage you to express yourself honestly without holding back.
How To Clean Fire Opal Jewelry?
To ensure that your Fire Opal jewelry looks great for years, keep these tips in mind when cleaning and storing it.
- To start, dip the Fire Opal in lukewarm water and let it soak for 15 minutes up to an hour to loosen up the dirt and grime.
- After soaking, use a toothbrush and brush off all the stains gently. If there is resistance, you can use soap or a gentle dishwasher detergent.
- After thoroughly cleaning your gemstone, use a microfiber cloth to dry it and bring out its shiny luster.
- Be sure to store it in a cool and dry place.
- You can recharge your gem by using the moonlight from a full moon or by burying it in the Earth, drawing out any negative energy it contains and replacing it with positive energy. It’s a good idea to do this at least once a month to keep your stone charged and at its highest potential!
FAQ
Which Gemstones Go Best With This Opal?
What Is Fire Opal Good For?
Fire opal is a stone that can be used to improve the quality of your life. Fire opal is also good for your happiness because it encourages self-confidence and optimism. It helps you to believe in yourself and see the world through rose-colored glasses. It allows you to see the good things in life instead of dwelling on the bad ones!
Are There Any Health Risks Associated With This Opal?
There are no health risks associated with the Mexiacan opal. It can be worn without worry of any adverse side effects. However, you should always check if you have any allergies to the metal components in your gemstone to be on the safe side.
Is The Mexican Opal Heat Treated?
They are usually not treated. Some people think all gemstones are heat treated to improve their appearance, but this isn’t necessarily true. It just depends on what kind of gemstone you’re dealing with.
