Locality: Magdalena Area, Mexico
Requires 1 pound of Shipping space
Occasional fire. Mixed quality.
Geological Properties
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Mineral: Fire Opal (Orange to Red Variety of Opal, a Hydrated Silica Mineraloid)
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Chemical Formula: SiO₂·nH₂O (Hydrated Silicon Dioxide)
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Hardness: 5.5–6.5 on the Mohs scale
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Color: Yellow, golden orange, fiery orange, reddish-orange, and red
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Clarity: Transparent to translucent, occasionally opaque
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Luster: Glassy to resinous
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Density: Approximately 1.98–2.20 g/cm³
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Formation: Forms when silica-rich fluids deposit hydrated silica in cavities and fractures, often within volcanic rocks.
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Origin: Mexico, Ethiopia, Brazil, Australia, and the United States
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Unique Feature: Prized for its vivid, flame-like body colors. Unlike many precious opals, fire opal does not need to display rainbow-colored play-of-color, although some specimens do.
Metaphysical Properties
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Known As: Stone of Passion & Creativity
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Energy: Energizing, inspiring, and empowering
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Chakras: Sacral and solar plexus
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Emotional Support: Believed to encourage confidence, enthusiasm, creativity, and emotional expression
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Spiritual Meaning: Traditionally associated with personal transformation, motivation, and embracing life's opportunities
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Symbolism: Passion, vitality, courage, creativity, and renewal
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Intention: Ignite your creativity, embrace your passion, and pursue your dreams with confidence.
Common Uses
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Tumbling: Possible with suitable rough material, although opal's relative softness and sensitivity require gentle techniques.
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Carving: Used for cabochons, small decorative carvings, and polished shapes; care is needed to prevent cracking.
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Jewelry Making: Highly valued for faceted gemstones, pendants, earrings, cabochons, and rings with protective settings.
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Landscaping & Décor: Best suited for protected indoor displays rather than outdoor landscaping because of its sensitivity to environmental changes.
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Crafts & Collections: Prized for natural crystal-like specimens, lapidary projects, polished stones, and gemstone collections.
Photos have not been edited or altered, just taken in different daylight conditions to show the variation in color. Pieces are held in hand to help with scale and does not necessarily represent 1 pound. Specific pieces photographed may no longer be available.