Fire Opal: Juicy Orange Gem

Fire opal breaks all the rules for opal. Opal is a gem valued for its play of color, the shifting light showing through from its depths. Body color is only a backdrop for the main attraction. But the color of fire opal is hard to ignore: hot yellows, oranges, and reds so bright they look as though they might glow in the dark.

Other opal varieties are usually cut in smooth-domed cabochon shapes so nothing distracts from the play of color. Fire opal is usually faceted, to add sparkle to the juicy color.

Most opal is mined in Australia, from an area which was under the sea a very long time ago. Most fire opal, however, is mined in Mexico, the result of ancient volcanoes! Fire opal can also be found in Oregon and British Columbia in Canada.  Fire opal, like all opal, has a high water content. As a result, it should be protected from heat and prolonged exposure to strong light, which could dry it out. All opal is relatively soft and should be in a protective mounting if set in a ring. Be especially careful with the points of marquise and pear shapes.  Fire opal's hardness ranges from 4.5 to 6 on Moh's Hardness Scale.