FIRE OPAL

Gem quality red fire opal and diamond ring in platinum

Species:  Opal
​​Mohs Hardness:  5.5 to 6.5 out of 10
Color:  Orange, red, or yellow.  With or without play-of-color.
RI:  1.450 (+0.020 / -0.080)
Birefringence:  None
SR/DR/AGG:  SR, commonly with ADR due to strain
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Inert to white to moderate light blue, green, or yellow under LW and SW.  Might phosphoresce.
SG:  2.15 (+0.08 / -0.90)
Routine Treatments:  None
Additional Enhancements:  Dyeing

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Fire Opal Facts

Fire opal and diamond vintage nugget ring

Fire opals range in color from orange to yellow, to red.

​Opals contain up to 20% water trapped inside their silica structure.

Opals are known for their unique phenomena known as play-of-color.  Opals are made up of sub-microscopic spheres stacked in a grid-like pattern.  As light passes between the spheres, the lightwaves bend, breaking up into different spectral colors.  Fire opals can be with or without play-of-color.

Mexico is currently the primary source of fire opals.

It is believed that Mexican fire opals were worn by the Aztec people as far back as the 13th Century.
​
Opal is an October birthstone.

Fire Opal Gallery

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)

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