Loading...

Mexican Fire Opal

Orange Fire Opal and Diamond Ring.
Orange Fire Opal and Diamond Ring.

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.
Close Menu
×