Fire opal refers to the variety of transparent red, orange, or orangy-red opal usually lacking play-of-color. Fire opal is cut en cabochon as well as faceted. The source for this gem material is Mexico, hence the name.
Gemological Information for Mexican Fire Opal
| Color: | Red, Orange, Orangy-Red |
| Crystal Structure: | Amorphous |
| Refractive Index: | 1.43-1.47 |
| Durability: | Relatively Poor |
| Hardness: | 5.5-6 |
| Family: | Opal |
| Similar Stones: | Opal Can Be Confused with Glass and Some Plastic, and Redish-Brown Chalcedony for its Color. |
| Treatments: | Fracture Filling, Synthetics |
| Country of Origin: | Mexico, Brazil |
Mexican Fire Opal Care
| Ultrasonic Cleaning: | Never |
| Steam Cleaning: | Never |
| Warm Soapy Water: | Safe |
| Chemical Attack: | Avoid |
| Light Sensitivity: | Stable |
| Heat Sensitivity: | May Crack |
Sources
- Gem Reference Guide, Los Angeles: Gemological Institute of America, 1988. Pp. 164-167.
- Newman, Harold. An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry, New York: Thames and Hudson, 1981. Pp. 126.
- Schumann, Walter. Gemstones of the World, New York: Sterling Publishing, Co., 1977. Pp. 152.