Opals are one of the most beautiful and exhilarating gemstones that can be found on earth. The fascinating play-of-color phenomenon in which the full spectrum of hues dances before your eyes is one of the true wonders of nature.

One of the least known of this diverse gem type is the Fire Opal which although it very rarely shows any play-of-color can still dazzle with its intense colors.

Fire Opal Colors

Fire Opals live up to their name with vivid yellow, orange and red colors that seem to almost blaze in front of you. Unlike most opal varieties, Fire Opals can also be found with translucent and even transparent clarity which only enhances the fiery tones.

The colors of opals are created by light bouncing back and forth off and between the millions of tiny spheres which make up the gemstones. In the case of Fire Opals, the balls tend to be quite large (relatively speaking as they are still microscopically small) which refracts and reflects colors from the orange and red end of the spectrum.

Any Fire Opal gemstone with a mixture of small and large spheres may display the famous play-of-color but this is very rare.

Read more about gemstones colors here

Fire Opal Species

Even though it looks quite different to its sister stones, Fire Opal is still an amorphous silicon dioxide which has no regular crystalline structure and is made up of millions of tiny spheres of various sizes.

As Fire Opals lack an organized crystal structure, they are not really minerals and they not rocks either, but should be referred to as mineraloids. I prefer just saying opals!

Just some of the more well-known other varieties of opals include:

• White Opals
• Boulder Opals
• Black Opals
• Hyalite Opals
• Cat's Eye Opals
• Opal Doublets and Triplets

Fire Opal Price

Fire Opals sales price is a little bit easier to value than many other opal types because they tend to be found in single colors.

Various factors are involved in pricing Fire Opal gemstones. Color is always important of course and the gemstones will increase in value as they go from lighter yellow colors through orange to the most valuable red colors. An intense and even color is preferred.

Any Fire Opals which also feature the play-of-color phenomenon will command an even higher price with any gemstone seller.

Clarity must also be considered with Fire Opals found with transparent to translucent bodies which is very unusual for opals. This means that many of the top quality Fire Opals for sale can be faceted which helps show off their fire even more.

Fire Opals reach $15 - $100 per carat although this can leap significantly for gemstones of the finest quality over 5 carats in weight.

Where are Fire Opals found?

Fire Opals are still mined in Queretaro, a state just north of Mexico City where they were discovered nearly two centuries ago. Other parts of Mexico provide the bulk of the world's Fire Opal resources although some examples have been found in Canada, Australia and Brazil.

What jewelry is Fire Opal suitable for?

Fire Opals have a rating of 5.5 to 6.5 on Mohs hardness scale which is quite soft for a gemstone but earrings, pendants and brooches will be fine as they are not subject to many knocks and bumps. Fire Opals are still very popular for rings despite their softness but we would recommend a protective setting.

Birthstones and Anniversaries

Fire Opals can be a birthstone for October and would make an ideal gift for anyone who has a birthday in that month.

A Fire Opal is a traditional gemstone gift for the 14th wedding anniversary.

Fire Opal for Sale

The vibrant and glowing Fire Opal is now available for sale, offering an exquisite blend of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. Its mesmerizing colors has made it a sought-after gem for both collectors and jewelry aficionados. Secure yours today and revel in its fiery charm.

Calibrated Fire Opal for your jewelry needs

When precision matters, calibrated Fire Opal stones are the answer. Expertly cut to specific dimensions, they ensure consistency in jewelry designs. Whether for a bespoke piece or a collection, these calibrated gemstones offer the perfect blend of symmetry and the Fire Opal's natural brilliance.

Cabochon Fire Opal: A Smooth Radiance

The cabochon cut is a celebration of Fire Opal's inherent beauty. With its smooth, rounded finish, it amplifies the gem's color. Cabochon Fire Opals are a favorite for ring settings.

Mexican Fire Opal: The Heart of Vibrancy

Originating from the heartlands of Mexico, the Mexican Fire Opal is renowned for its intense and vibrant colors. Mexico's unique geological conditions lend these opals their unparalleled luminosity, making them stand out in the world of gemstones. To own a Mexican Fire Opal is to possess a piece of the land's rich legacy.

Pendants with a Spark: Fire Opal Centerpiece

Pendants adorned with Fire Opal are not just accessories; they are statements of vibrancy and passion. The fiery hues of the opal, set against metals like gold or silver, create an alluring contrast. Whether as a gift or a personal treasure, Fire Opal pendants are sure to ignite admiration and awe.