Fire Opal

Fire opal is a transparent to translucent opal with a warm body colour ranging from yellow through orange to bright red. Unlike precious opal, its main attraction is this vivid "fiery" body colour rather than play-of-colour, although some fire opals also show flashes of play-of-colour, which makes them especially valuable. The colour is caused by traces of iron oxide.

Mexico is the most famous source, particularly the state of Queretaro, where fire opal has been mined for centuries; Mexican fire opal is the national gem of Mexico. The Aztecs called it "quetzalitzlipyollitli", the "stone of the bird of paradise", and used it in mosaics and ceremonial objects. Other sources include Ethiopia, Brazil, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Honduras and the USA (Oregon).

Clear, bright fire opal is usually faceted, which is unusual for opal, while less transparent material and stones still set in their host rock (called "cantera" opal) are cut as cabochons or carved. Fire opal is softer and contains more water than many gems, so it needs careful handling.

Imitations include orange glass and synthetic fire opal. Some fire opal from Ethiopia may be hydrophane and absorb water temporarily.

Fire Opal at a glance

Caring for fire opal

Fire opal is relatively soft (5.5 – 6 on the Mohs scale) and contains water, so it is sensitive to knocks, heat and sudden temperature changes, which can cause cracking or crazing. Clean it gently with lukewarm soapy water and a soft cloth. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, and avoid chemicals and prolonged sunlight. Store it separately in a soft pouch.

In folklore

The beliefs below are traditional folklore, included for interest. They are not scientifically proven, and nothing here is medical advice.

The Aztecs and Maya treasured fire opal and used it in religious ceremonies and decorations, associating it with fire, love and the sun. In Mexican tradition fire opal is considered a symbol of hope and passion. It is said to protect the wearer from danger and to bring success in business. Fire opal is associated with the zodiac signs Cancer, Leo and Sagittarius.

Fire opal is traditionally regarded as a stone of energy, passion and creativity. Crystal healing lore holds that it boosts personal power, motivation and enthusiasm, and helps the wearer let go of the past and embrace change. It is also said to bring warmth and joy. It is linked to the sacral and solar plexus chakras.

Related stones

Precious opal, common opal, cantera opal (fire opal in its host rock) and synthetic fire opal. Stones of similar colour include spessartine garnet, carnelian, hessonite garnet, citrine, orange sapphire, imperial topaz and orange glass.

For the technically minded

Shop fire opal beads

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