Fire Opal" is a term used for colorful, transparent to translucent opal with a background color of fire-like hue. Fire opals are unique in the lush world of the opals. They were already admired as symbol of love in ancient times, in India. Fire opals possess either flaming-orange or cherry-red body color that is uniform and solid as opposed to the iridescent streaks, patches or flecks of color. That’s why the term “fire” is used.
The most significant fire opal deposits in the world lie in Mexico. Rock strata containing opals run through the Mexican highlands, with their many extinct volcanoes. With a few exceptions, the gemstone, which lies hidden in cavities and crevices, is extracted in open-cast mines. Their warm, expressive orange comes in all varieties from yellow to light red, sometimes with a brownish undertone.
Fire opals are either faceted - as far as their transparency allows - or cut as a cabochon, since this is the shape which best brings out the rich glow of this orange jewel. It is the oval which is regarded as the classical shape for valuable fire opals.
Play of colour, body colour and transparency are the three criteria which determine the price of a fire opal. The more transparency and 'fire' it has, and the more intense the deep red of its body color, the more valuable it will be. Their warm, fiery color gives us vigor, fills us with the joys of life and opens our senses to the beauty of Nature.
Article by
Keerthana Nayak K
Jewellery Instructor
The most significant fire opal deposits in the world lie in Mexico. Rock strata containing opals run through the Mexican highlands, with their many extinct volcanoes. With a few exceptions, the gemstone, which lies hidden in cavities and crevices, is extracted in open-cast mines. Their warm, expressive orange comes in all varieties from yellow to light red, sometimes with a brownish undertone.
Fire opals are either faceted - as far as their transparency allows - or cut as a cabochon, since this is the shape which best brings out the rich glow of this orange jewel. It is the oval which is regarded as the classical shape for valuable fire opals.
Play of colour, body colour and transparency are the three criteria which determine the price of a fire opal. The more transparency and 'fire' it has, and the more intense the deep red of its body color, the more valuable it will be. Their warm, fiery color gives us vigor, fills us with the joys of life and opens our senses to the beauty of Nature.
To take a leap into the professional world of jewellery designing, enroll into Solitaire Diamond Institute's online jewellery designing courses Bangalore.
Article by
Keerthana Nayak K
Jewellery Instructor
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