Fire opals: the origin and properties of noble minerals

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:45

Stones used in jewelry, as a rule, have their own history. Sometimes they are accompanied by legends. Fire opal is considered to be one of the most expensive and appreciated minerals by masters, the photo shows how bewitchingly beautiful this stone is.

Mineral deposits

Rich deposits are found in the USA, South America, Hungary, Czech Republic, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Russia (Kamchatka and Transbaikalia) and Japan. But they are not always suitable for their qualities for making jewelry. Often stones contain flaws, but they refract light beautifully. Nevertheless, in ancient times in India, Persia and among the Indians, they were considered a symbol of great love. The Maya and Aztecs used fire opals to create mosaics. They were decorated with household items and places of worship of the gods. They called it the bird of paradise stone.

The mineral is mined in Australia and Mexico, where it is recognized as the most valuable national stone. Its deposits are found among volcanic rocks, in bas alt, marl, rhyolite, limonite, sandstone. There are very large sizes. For example, with the fist of an adult man.

Fire Opal Colors

Its color is very beautiful, fire opal can be bright orange, yellow,fiery red. Less common is a light brown shade. Stones are divided into transparent or translucent. Connoisseurs love the golden, warm light they emit. Therefore, they are also called "golden opals".

The stone is soft in structure. But jewelers are able to create real works of art. They frame it in such a way that you should not worry about the strength of the product (rings, bracelets). Opals are divided into opalescent (they are processed in the form of cabochons) and expensive opalescent fire opals, they are valued more due to their color and play of light. One look is enough to love them. They are subject to cutting only if they have transparency. At the same time, they are processed taking into account the play of light in order to preserve all the beauty.

The stone may change over time. Much depends on where it was found. The mineral that was mined in a drier place will last longer. It will also be more durable.

Opal characteristics and care

Fire opals are composed of silica with a large proportion of water (it can be from three to twenty-one percent). They are mineraloids. The unique color is achieved due to the admixture of iron. When worn for a long time, jewelry with them can age and become cloudy from environmental influences. They are affected by artificial light, are susceptible to heat, acids, alkalis, and can be scratched with a sharp object. Some problems can be fixed. For this stone is enoughpolish. If he loses the moisture contained in him during wearing, he can be dipped in water for a while and this operation should be repeated periodically.

One of the beliefs calls fire opals stones that bring happiness. They cause a feeling of harmony and have a beneficial effect on the psyche. As in ancient times, and now these gems are at the height of fashion. Precious opal inserts adorn jewelry: pendants, earrings, brooches and rings.