Fire Opal: The Ideal Stone for Stylish Jewelry

History and origin

Scientists know that fire opal was used by the Aztecs and Mayan tribes to make religious objects, as well as to decorate homes. These peoples revered the mineral as a symbol of unfeigned love, considering the stone a gift from a sacred bird living in paradise.

Mining of the nugget stopped after the Spanish captured these lands - the natives did not want to reveal the sacred mineral to the invaders. The mothballed mines began to be mined again only in 1835. The Mexican Highlands are home to some of the most beautiful fire opal in the world.

Do you know that fire opal is the national symbol of modern Mexico, considered the main asset of the state. This stone is also called Mexican opal or boulder.

In addition to the Aztecs and Mayans, this extraordinary gem was popular among the ancient peoples of Rome, India, and Greece. The word “upala” is translated from Sanskrit as “precious stone”. Each nation passes on its own legends about the mineral:

• For Australians, the nugget is associated with the Creator of the world, who descended to people from heaven. According to legend, fire opals are traces of the Creator.
• In India, fire gems are the crumbled body of the goddess Rainbow, who fell while running away from annoying admirers.
• The Greeks consider the mineral to be the tears of happiness of Zeus, who burst into tears after defeating the Titans.
• The Arabs believe that sparkling opals are the product of lightning.

It is interesting that the fiery mineral acquired a reputation not only as a divine stone, but also as a symbol of discord. The story tells of a beautiful copy of “The Fire of Troy”, presented by Napoleon to his wife Josephine. It is believed that it was this sign of attention that caused the couple’s divorce.

Historical excursion

The history of fire opal goes back centuries. It was valued in the ancient world and India, creating beautiful legends. The Romans considered the pebble the embodiment of honesty, the Greeks recognized it as capable of making a person a clairvoyant.

However, it is a New World gem, popular since pre-Columbian America. The Mayans and Aztecs correlated a flaming pebble with the plumage of a bird of paradise, decorating their homes and objects of worship with it. After the invasion of the Spanish conquistadors, mining of the mineral ceased, resuming three hundred years later.

Place of Birth

Stone deposits are dispersed throughout all corners of the Earth. However, the Australian continent is considered the largest deposit of fire opals. Since the end of the 19th century, 90% of the world's stone supply has been mined here. Mexico is rightfully considered the birthplace of the most beautiful gem specimens.

This is interesting! An exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution in the United States of America is a 143.2-carat fire opal found in Mexico.

Stone quarrying sites are also famous for:

• Czech Republic.
• Türkiye.
• USA.
• Honduras.
• Kazakhstan.
• Russia.
• Brazil.

Fire gems originate in rock fractures or on the slopes of extinct volcanoes.

Physical properties

The main difference between the fire variety of opal and its counterparts is the nature of the opalescence effect. If in other opals the play of shades arises as a result of the reflection of light, then fire opals play colors due to impurities and their own internal structure, which is schematically packed balls of the same size.

You can read about the physicochemical properties here.

Color varieties

Jewelers classify the fiery mineral as precious and semi-precious stones. Specimens of pale tones with weak opalescent properties are considered ornamental.

Fire opals come in white, blue, and honeysuckle colors. The latter are samples with inclusions of blue, lilac or violet colors.

There are also especially rare, valuable varieties of the mineral:

• Pinfire. This is a nugget with multi-colored iridescence. The name of the stone means "flashing."
• Fiery sunset. This mineral combines orange, red and yellow shades.
• Contra-luz. Such a stone is endowed with a play of light directed in different directions.
• Fire opal. A transparent mineral glowing with a bright orange “flame”.

The rarest is the Mexican fire opal, although this nugget is devoid of pleochroism (shimmer of light visible at an angle). Only nuggets from Australia are endowed with a similar effect.

Particularly unique is the discovery of black opal with dark shades of purple, blue, gray or green.

Description of fire opal

The fire opal mineral, at first glance, does not differ in anything other than color from other relatives from the same family. It has no play of light, only bright flashes inside the crystal. From the point of view of jewelry standards, it should not be considered precious, but the craftsmen made an exception, thanks to its unique texture and thick luminous tonality.

The gem differs from other opals for reasons that cause a specific shine (opalescence). It plays with colors due to its structure and impurities present in its composition. Other varieties simply reflect the light falling on them.

However, not all specimens of the mineral are considered precious. This is not surprising: even among diamonds, 40% are suitable only for industrial needs. As for our current stone, small and cloudy crystals with a weakly expressed play of light are used for ornamental material.

Although fire opal looks like a crystalline structure, it is not actually one. This is an amorphous agglomerate, the chemical composition is silica, containing about ten percent water. Under a magnifying glass you can see that it consists of globules. These are tiny “balls” arranged in a strict order.

Medicinal properties

The healing power of fire opal became known to people even before the 2nd century AD. The amazing ability of the mineral lies in the fact that the stone is able to “pull” almost any disease out of a person. The spectrum of action of healing properties extends to all important functions of the human body, including:

• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• problems of the nervous system – the fiery mineral has a calming effect, helps cope with stress, apathy, and insomnia;
• visual pathologies, including normalization of eye pressure;
• improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• kidney diseases;
• purification of blood from harmful substances, improving its composition;
• strengthening the immune system;
• improving brain function;
• infertility.

In addition, the mineral is able to warn the owner about the onset of a disease by dimming and losing its shine. It is better not to ignore such a signal and consult a doctor in a timely manner. And wearing a ring with a fiery nugget will protect against the epidemic.

The magic of fiery overflows

Over the centuries-old history of the mineral, there have been many legends and tales about it that contradict each other. For some peoples, fire opal symbolizes good luck and purity of feelings, while for others it is the cause of problems and strife. Perhaps this is due to the fact that not everyone is able to tame this nugget. For strong, strong-willed people, the stone will become a reliable talisman, and for weak-willed people, it will become a source of evil fate.

The magical abilities of the mineral, described by ancient people and confirmed by contemporaries, are impressive:

• A fiery gem makes a person clairvoyant. This ability helped ancient sorcerers look into the past and future. Today, magical rituals are also performed with the help of this gem - clairvoyants unravel mysteries, identify past mistakes, helping a person change his destiny.
• Fiery nuggets are reliable protectors from any evil, including witchcraft, the evil eye, curse and other negativity. In addition, the talisman wards off intrigue, gossip, and the envy of ill-wishers from the owner.
• This type of opal protects your home from thieves and natural disasters, provided that the gem or a product made from it is constantly in the house.
• A fire talisman reveals hidden talents in a person, and therefore acts as a source of inspiration for gifted individuals.
• The amulet will protect spouses from conflicts, betrayals, and separations.
• Opal will give peace of mind to someone who has suffered great grief, for example, the loss of a loved one. The talisman will help you cope with loss and find the meaning of life again. Silver jewelry with fire opal will best cope with this task.

It is worth remembering the dangerous side of using the mineral. The gem is categorically not suitable for passive individuals who love regularity and tranquility. The fire stone will cause internal discomfort, exciting feelings and consciousness. The owner of the nugget must be a person capable of taming the fiery ardor of the gem. The stone will submit to such an owner and will serve faithfully.

Important! The best setting for fire opal is gold or silver. These metals will increase the magical powers of the gem.

It is also dangerous that morality and purity of thoughts have no meaning for the gem. The stone will equally fulfill the will of its owner, good intentions or even dishonest actions.

The magical properties of fire opal

When a fire opal finds harmony with its wearer, it begins to saturate its aura with its active energy. The gem helps you decide on your life’s calling and reveal hidden talents and abilities. At the same time, the stone itself is “neutral”: the moral principles of the owner do not matter.

Fire opal will help you discover hidden talents.

The crystal will help in both good and evil endeavors. At the same time, do not forget that the negativity that you bring into the world always comes back to you, even if you do not break the law directly. So a talisman is not a reason to go to great lengths. Better set yourself the goal of learning to forgive offenders and take care of loved ones. Fire opal will help you with this too.

To subjugate a fiery mineral, you need to have a strong will. Meditate on your jewelry for at least ten minutes a day. Visualize what you want to achieve with it. There won’t be any serious troubles, but an unconquered stone can still be quite annoying, bringing minor problems like unpleasant dreams.

Fire opal is used in the magical rites of the peoples of India and Latin America. Shamans of primitive tribes are believed to be able to foresee the future by peering into the patterns of the gem. If you have the abilities and a strong biofield, you can also try to practice clairvoyance with its help. To do this, train by meditating on the gem and trying to understand what associations its patterns evoke in you with future events.

Compatibility with other stones

Fire opal belongs to the air element. Therefore, proximity to fellow Air is permissible:

• Sapphire;
• Topaz;
• Rhinestone;
• Chrysolite;
• Agate;
• Tourmaline;
• Cornelian.

The fiery nugget shows hostility towards Water gems:

• Emerald;
• Coral;
• Amber;
• Pearl.

Such proximity can lead to vibrations that are uncomfortable for the owner.

What do astrologers say?

They say that everything depends on the zodiac sign, so fire opal is suitable only for Scorpios, Aries, Leos, and Sagittarius.
Astrologers believe that these people themselves have strong energy, and fire opal will help them overcome any difficulties. And for those like Leos, opal will help them find peace and relieve them of anger. But fire opal is not suitable for the rest of the zodiac signs. What to do if you like him? That's up to you to decide. Maybe you can cope with his raging energy?

Jewelry with mineral

Fire opal looks incredibly beautiful in jewelry, but it is quite difficult to work with - the stone is too fragile and porous. Therefore, most of the jewelry is pendants, pendants, earrings and brooches. Rings, cufflinks or bracelets are very rare.

The cost of the product depends on the factors that influence the cost of the insert - color saturation, degree of play of light, transparency of the opal. The most expensive specimens are orange-red stones, reaching a price of 315 US dollars per carat. Jewelry stores offer all kinds of jewelry in the following average price ranges:

• A silver pendant costs from 17 to 42 thousand rubles, and a gold one starts from 58 thousand and can reach 170 thousand rubles.
• Earrings made of silver are valued on average at about 50,000 rubles, and a product made of gold can reach a cost of 500 thousand.
• Rings made of silver start at 18 thousand rubles, and rings made of gold – from 50 thousand.

In order for the mineral to acquire an impeccable appearance, multi-stage processing is carried out, which only an expert in his field can handle. After processing, the stone is placed in a special frame of a special configuration and coated with transparent resin.

Where is it used?

The fiery variety is used in jewelry.

Treatment

Back in the 17th century, the German mineralogist Brickmann said that it is easier to find hundreds of perfect diamonds than a dozen perfect opals. Only this opal variety is processed. The process is multi-stage: elimination of surface irregularities on a diamond wheel, cabochon cutting, polishing. Only a high-class craftsman can bring jewelry opal to perfection.

Range

Fragility and porosity limit the use of the mineral.

A ring, ring or cufflinks with it are rare, but the gem is magnificent in pendants, pendants, brooches or earrings.

Fire opal pendant

Inserts in jewelry are framed with a frame of a special configuration and coated with transparent resins.

Price

The cost of a mineral is determined by its color, play of light, and degree of transparency. The darker the gem, the higher the price. The orange-red specimens have the highest price - $85–315 per carat.

How to distinguish a fake?

An imitation of natural fire opal can be made from artificial stone or opalescent glass. You can distinguish a linden gem by knowing the properties of the natural mineral:

1. Pattern. The internal pattern and play of natural opal are chaotic, while those of the analogue are more ordered.
2. Coloring. The fake does not change color from different viewing angles.
3. Transparency. A dark line will be visible inside the fake.
4. Rainbow light. If you place your fingers between the sun and a natural gem, the passing rays will color the skin in different shades. The fake does not have this feature.

In addition, only real fire opal can refract and scatter light rays. It is worth remembering the quality certificate that is attached to any natural stone in jewelry stores.

In defense of synthetic opals

Most buyers disdain artificial stones. And we will speak in their defense.

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Artificial gems do not suffer from low humidity; they better withstand adverse environmental influences. It is quite difficult to distinguish synthetic opal from natural opal visually, but the difference in price is impressive.

Doublets, triplets, synthetic, natural...

They have recently learned how to synthesize opals in a high-quality manner. The first to create artificial stone was in Austria, in 1964. Less than ten years have passed since the Swiss Gilson began producing synthetic opals, which are in no way inferior to natural gems (even in opalescence).

Now opals are synthesized in Japan, Russia, and China.

Doublets and triplets are mainly made from Australian opals.

• A doublet is a thin slice of natural opal; a plate of another mineral (most often black onyx) is glued to it below.
• Triplet is a three-layer “sandwich”. The bottom layer is the substrate; in the middle there is a plate of natural opal, on top there is a “lid” of quartz glass. Most often it is processed in cabochon form.

How to wear fire opal jewelry?

Choosing an accompanying decoration for a fire opal is difficult, and often not even necessary. This is a mineral in its own right, too beautiful to be overshadowed. A combination with garnet, amethyst, crystal or sapphire is acceptable, if this does not contradict the image.

Jewelry with a flame gem is not suitable for everyday wear. The reason to wear such jewelry should be a luxurious party or an elite event.

When purchasing jewelry as a magical talisman, it is worth considering the time of purchase - it should be the 25th lunar day. You can use the amulet no earlier than the 11th lunar day of the next cycle.

Product care rules

Jewelry made from fragile opal should be used with extreme delicacy and caution. Such a stone is harmed by gassed, smoky or alcohol-contaminated air. Temperature changes can cause the gem to crack, and compression can easily deform. Several care rules must be followed, otherwise there is a risk of quickly losing a beautiful and expensive piece of jewelry:

• Do not allow the stone to dry out. To do this, you can periodically moisten the mineral with a wet cloth or sometimes place the gem in a vessel with water. An air-conditioned room is also ideal for storage.
• Protect the product from exposure to direct sunlight.
• The gem can easily be stained with food coloring, ink, or any other coloring matter, so the jewelry must be removed before such work.
• Warm water and a soft cloth are suitable for cleaning. After washing, you need to wipe the stone dry.
• Regular polishing with a silk cloth is advisable.

It is forbidden to clean fire opal with alkalis, ultrasound or freezing - the mineral will dissolve or disintegrate. If you doubt at all that you can carefully clean it yourself, it is better to seek help from a specialist.

Horoscope compatibility

Fire opal is one of those stones that must be selected according to the horoscope. This gem needs complete energetic compatibility with the owner, otherwise the latter will face health problems, insomnia, and the appearance of unreasonable anxiety and fears.

The energetically fiery gem is ideally compatible with only two zodiac signs, and three more constellations have a chance to make friends with the stone.

(“+++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):

• Scorpion. The ideal energy tandem. The talisman will help representatives of this star family achieve their goals, overcoming all obstacles. In addition, Scorpios will feel a powerful energy boost.
• Sagittarius. Also a fully compatible sign of the zodiac circle. For Sagittarius, the fiery mineral will become defenders from all the evil of this world in any of its manifestations.
• A lion. Acceptable ally for nugget. The amulet will give Leos peace of mind, suppressing aggressiveness and outbursts of anger.
• Aries will find harmony with others and with themselves.
• The Capricorn talisman will give you self-confidence and self-confidence.

It is better for other signs to refrain from using the mineral for any purpose. Energy mismatch will lead to unpredictable, often grim consequences.

Who is suitable for fire opal according to their zodiac sign?

Fire opal is a gem with a very wild and unbridled energy, so it is not suitable for everyone. The easiest way, of course, to achieve harmony with it is if the bearer belongs to one of the signs of the element of Fire. For example, Aries , thanks to his influence, will become more energetic, luckier and at the same time more balanced. It will be easier for him to realize his wildest plans.

A talisman made of fire opal is best combined with the zodiac signs of the element of Fire.

For Sagittarius, the magical properties of the crystal will help protect themselves from black magic and the vicissitudes of fate. for Leos to broaden their horizons, learn more about themselves and those around them. On the other hand, astrologers do not recommend experimenting with gemstones Cancer , Pisces, Scorpios)

As for the other six zodiac constellations, those born under their signs can try to acquire the coveted fiery jewelry. It may be more difficult to establish a connection with him than for representatives of Fire, but the magical and healing properties of the mineral are worth it.

Name compatibility

If a fire opal turns out to be your zodiac ally, you should pay attention to compatibility by name - perhaps the nugget protects you. Any type of opal is suitable for those named:

• Angela. For this girl, the mineral symbolizes happiness, hope and tenderness.
• Anton. Opal awakens pure thoughts in this man and grants success in love.
• Olesya. The talisman will support her in any endeavor and will also calm her soul.
• Vitaly. For him, the stone will become a “silencer” of stubbornness, inconsistency, pompousness, protecting him from nervous breakdowns. The talisman will direct Vitaly’s energy towards self-development.

Compatibility by name is only a help for the manifestation of the magic of the stone. A prerequisite is the energetic and personal union of the owner with the talisman.

Talismans and amulets

Fire opal is one of the most powerful magical stones. Sorcerers have used it as a talisman for centuries.

Magical properties are assessed in the opposite way:

1. Europeans consider the stone a guarantee of happiness and good luck in love. However, Napoleon and Josephine divorced precisely after the husband presented his beloved with the bright red opal “Fire of Troy”.
2. In the East, it is a symbol of disappointed hopes, leading away from reality.

Today, as protection, it is ideal for strong, creative, purposeful people. It helps regardless of the “sign” of the owner’s thoughts and choices - it will help in base passions or highly moral actions.

The talisman product helps:

• be inspired by daring projects and implement them;
• restore peace of mind after a bereavement or other shock;
• isolate yourself from external negativity (evil eye, damage), diseases, natural disasters;
• awaken “earthly” talents, the gift of prophecy or clairvoyance;
• preserve love and family hearth.

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The power of the talisman is increased by a gold or silver frame.

The stone will be fatal for phlegmatic or weak-willed people. For the first, his fiery magic will destroy the usual rhythm of life, while the second will become paranoid.