As Mexican Fire Opal is famous for its flaming orange or cherry red body color that is so unique and hardly mined in its quality any where else in the World, Oregon Opal is famous for its crater lake mine that produces excellent White Yellowish to Colorless Fire Opal. Even though both are called Fire Opal, the Fire in the case of Mexican material refers to the orange and red flashes as body color while the Fire in the case of Oregon material refers to the play of colors. Some Mexican Opal materials exhibit play of colors and are usually cabed in order to show off its beauty. Colorless Fire Opals with play of color are usually referred to in the Trade as Jelly Opal.
BEAUTIFUL BUT FRAGILE
Because Fire Opal, like all opal, is some how considered a fragile stone, it is most recommended to be set in pendants or earrings rather than rings. This is not always considered the rule. Many unique beautiful rings can be designed with Mexican Fire Opal even though they may require more care when they are worn everyday.
CHERRY RED MEXICAN FIRE OPAL
The most valuable and desirable color in Fire Opal is usually sold in the Trade as AAA Grade, and if flawless, with AAA Price. However, the orangy yellow Mexican Fire Opals have their own charm and overall color Gems attract personal preferences.
Mexico to Fire Opal is like Burma to Ruby. Fire Opal is mined in Oregon, U.S.A., Brazil, Australia and Mexico. The best Fire Opal comes from Mexico, not only because of its color but also because of its stability. Unstable materials may crack in the course of time when exposed to sudden changes of temperature or strong heat.
IDAROBRENSTIEN & U.S.A. ARE THE BEST CUTTING CENTERS FOR FIRE OPAL
Because usually cutting centers are different than mining countries, Idarobrenstien Germany and U.S. Cutters have gained the best reputation in cutting Fire Opals. Many Mexican Fire Opal material is cabed in Mexico. Brazil, Hong Kong and Thailand cut Mexican Fire Opal materials as well, mostly in calibrated sizes.
HOT AND FIERY
It is amazing how much Mexican Fire Opal has become so popular in the past few years, reasons for which the price has gone up to the point that dealers and jewelers had to pay for top Gem Grade of up to $95 per ct in the past couple of years at the World’s largest Gem and Mineral event, the Tucson Show.
WATCH OUT FOR FAKES
Because of its popularity, synthetic Fire Opal in Orange and Cherry Red Color hit the market in the past 3 years. Many professionals get taken by purchasing lots that were offered as natural material. Buy from reputable and knowledgeable dealers to avoid a disappointment. Any ways, it is easy to distinguish between Natural and Fakes by using refractometer and testing the stone’s density. (Usually synthetics will not float). Fire Opal is the only facetable variety of Opal Family. Because of its transparency and unique fire, it has a magnificent appearance when well cut.
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