Earrings: 14k yellow gold Mexican Fire Opals accented with Mint Garnet and diamond (Style EFOFF150885C)
Necklace stack:
Top: 14k yellow gold Australian Light Opal on paperclip chain (Style NNF005-7I)
Middle: 14k yellow gold pear-shaped Mint Garnet on wheat chain (Style NPF284MGXCI)
Bottom: 14k yellow gold Mexican Fire Opal accented with Mint Garnet (Style NFOFF250239C)
Origin: Australia
Phenomenon: Play-of-color
Species: Silicate
Hardness: 5.0 to 6.5 on Mohs Scale
Birthstone Month: October
Created by ancient lava flows formed in Mexico millions of years ago, fire opal's reds, oranges and yellows are a reminder of its fiery past.
Since all the fire opal mines are located in Mexico, the gemstone is also often referred to as "Mexican Opal" or "Mexican Fire Opal".
Although rare, play of color and body color are seeked for and make it more valuable. The bright body color of the opal is due to trace amounts of iron.
High transparency combined with strong orange-red colors generate the most breathtaking kinds of hydrated silicon dioxide samples.
Fire Opal often forms in soft sandstone nodules. The sandstone is easily removed allowing for amazing freeform shapes.
The gemstone is usually left in its freeform state since its natural softness would make any edge less sharp as time passes.
Similarly to all other opals, fire opals are relatively soft and need to be handled with care.
Gem Junkies episode: No Viagra, Just Get Fire Opal!