Fire opal: properties and who the stone is suitable for according to their zodiac sign

History and origin

Scientists know that fire opal was used by the Aztecs and Mayan tribes to make religious objects, as well as to decorate homes. These peoples revered the mineral as a symbol of unfeigned love, considering the stone a gift from a sacred bird living in paradise.

Mining of the nugget stopped after the Spanish captured these lands - the natives did not want to reveal the sacred mineral to the invaders. The mothballed mines began to be mined again only in 1835. The Mexican Highlands are home to some of the most beautiful fire opal in the world.

Do you know that fire opal is the national symbol of modern Mexico, considered the main asset of the state. This stone is also called Mexican opal or boulder.

In addition to the Aztecs and Mayans, this extraordinary gem was popular among the ancient peoples of Rome, India, and Greece. The word “upala” is translated from Sanskrit as “precious stone”. Each nation passes on its own legends about the mineral:

For Australians, the nugget is associated with the Creator of the world, who descended to people from heaven. According to legend, fire opals are traces of the Creator.
In India, fire gems are the crumbled body of the goddess Rainbow, who fell while running away from annoying admirers.
The Greeks consider the mineral to be the tears of happiness of Zeus, who burst into tears after defeating the Titans.
The Arabs believe that sparkling opals are the product of lightning.

It is interesting that the fiery mineral acquired a reputation not only as a divine stone, but also as a symbol of discord. The story tells of a beautiful copy of “The Fire of Troy”, presented by Napoleon to his wife Josephine. It is believed that it was this sign of attention that caused the couple’s divorce.

Description of varieties

Orange and white

We have listed the color variations of fire opals above. Let's take a closer look at some of them. The main fiery color comes from fire opal. The rays of light are concentrated inside the stone, creating the effect of a smoldering coal inside.

These stones are transparent, and the orange reflections look especially advantageous in facet-cut specimens. The number of edges depends on the wishes of the master. The shape of the stone is most often an oval or circle. The frames are available in red or yellow gold.

White fire opals are characterized by blurred outlines of yellowish, light turquoise “blots”. The stone itself is opaque, so jewelers don’t play tricks with the edges and their number, but choose cabochon processing and make the surface simply convex and smooth.

Lilac and blue

The blue color of fire opal is reminiscent of a picture from a children's kaleidoscope when sparkling crystals are stacked there. Such stones look good in flat surface treatment. Given the similarity of blue and blue fire sparkles with strict geometric shapes, craftsmen often choose the shape of a square or rectangle.

The color of honeysuckle in fire gems is called purple and lilac “wisps”. The originality of the stone is in the glass shine after polishing. Usually, pinkish and turquoise tones are also present in the iridescence. Silver or white gold is suitable for framing jewelry, as is the case with other “cold” opals.

Rare view

This includes the fire opal “contra luz”, which in Spanish means “against the light”. The name says it all - you need to look at the stone against the light. The essence of the effect is in different directions of light rays, due to which the game occurs. Then not just flashes of color appear inside, but like mythical paintings.

They depict underwater seascapes, cosmic motifs, sunsets in the clouds, and volcanic explosions. They are of collectible value, costing more than 5 thousand dollars. Similar masterpieces are found in Ethiopia, Mexico and Australia. Read about the extraction of other varieties in the article “About opal deposits.”

Bonfire and stars in stone

"Pinfire" translates to "needle fire." Its peculiarity was internal sparks, similar to traces of punctures from thin needles. These luminous stars on a gray main background luminesce in green, blue, and pink. This stone is considered very rare.

In Australia, in the town of Lightning Ridge, black opals with fire inside are found. In fact, they are only called black, usually their color is dark blue and dark gray. Although pure black specimens are also found. Then the contrast of the orange “fire” with the base of the stone is even more noticeable. Such gems cost at least $1,000 per carat.

Place of Birth

Stone deposits are dispersed throughout all corners of the Earth. However, the Australian continent is considered the largest deposit of fire opals. Since the end of the 19th century, 90% of the world's stone supply has been mined here. Mexico is rightfully considered the birthplace of the most beautiful gem specimens.

This is interesting! An exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution in the United States of America is a 143.2-carat fire opal found in Mexico.

Stone quarrying sites are also famous for:

Czech Republic.
Türkiye.
USA.
Honduras.
Kazakhstan.
Russia.
Brazil.

Fire gems originate in rock fractures or on the slopes of extinct volcanoes.

How fire opal is mined (video)

The deposition of the layers that make up fire opal occurs extremely slowly: over 20,000 years, the stone can grow by only 1 mm. Moreover, it is found quite rarely, as a rule, in cracks and cavities of volcanic rocks formed after the hardening of lava. The main source where the fiery mineral still appears in the world is Mexico, although some gems are mined in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Madagascar, Australia, Ethiopia and Brazil. However, Mexican opal has no equal in the beauty and brightness of its color.

When interacting with stone, you need to take into account its fragility and porosity, as well as its high sensitivity to temperature changes. In addition, fire opal is sensitive to chemicals and is easily damaged by cosmetics and other household chemicals.

Color varieties

Jewelers classify the fiery mineral as precious and semi-precious stones. Specimens of pale tones with weak opalescent properties are considered ornamental.

Fire opals come in white, blue, and honeysuckle colors. The latter are samples with inclusions of blue, lilac or violet colors.

There are also especially rare, valuable varieties of the mineral:

Pinfire. This is a nugget with multi-colored iridescence. The name of the stone means "flashing."
Fiery sunset. This mineral combines orange, red and yellow shades.
Contra-luz. Such a stone is endowed with a play of light directed in different directions.
Fire opal. A transparent mineral glowing with a bright orange “flame”.

Also read: Calcite - an amulet for all occasions
The Mexican fire opal is considered the rarest, although this nugget is devoid of pleochroism (shimmer of light visible at an angle). Only nuggets from Australia are endowed with a similar effect.

Particularly unique is the discovery of black opal with dark shades of purple, blue, gray or green.

Physics and chemistry of fire opal

Gem characteristics:

possible colors: red, orange, amber, terracotta, yellow, brownish;
there are transparent and translucent specimens;
glassy luster, weak, sometimes pearlescent;
hardness 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale;
chemical formula SiO2·nH2O (silicon dioxide hydrate);
possible impurities: oxides of iron, magnesium, aluminum, calcium;
luminescence from greenish to brown.

Fire opal may or may not be opalescent. Most often, Mexican fire opal has this effect. Opalescence increases the value of the gem.

Some gems are cut, but most opals are cut into cabochons. This is how the beauty of the gem is best revealed.

A stone of low hardness (which is why stone cutters love it). But the fragility of natural opal forces serious jewelers to create pendants, earrings and brooches more often than rings.

Not a simple mineral

Opal is essentially not even a mineral, but an amorphous mineraloid. It does not have a crystal lattice, and the body of the stone consists of microscopic balls (globules) of silica and a small amount of water.

The water content of the stone is important. It ranges from 1% to 30%. Dehydration is detrimental to the gem - it becomes covered with cracks and may eventually simply crumble.

This structure of the stone body gives rise to a rainbow play of colors - iridescence. A ray of light, passing through the body of the opal, breaks into globules, changing the angles of reflection. These reflected rays of light create a rainbow play in the gem.

Fire opals tend to have minimal iridescence, unlike black opals.

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Medicinal properties

The healing power of fire opal became known to people even before the 2nd century AD. The amazing ability of the mineral lies in the fact that the stone is able to “pull” almost any disease out of a person. The spectrum of action of healing properties extends to all important functions of the human body, including:

diseases of the cardiovascular system;
problems of the nervous system – the fiery mineral has a calming effect, helps cope with stress, apathy, and insomnia;
visual pathologies, including normalization of eye pressure;
improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
kidney diseases;
purification of blood from harmful substances, improving its composition;
strengthening the immune system;
improving brain function;
infertility.

In addition, the mineral is able to warn the owner about the onset of a disease by dimming and losing its shine. It is better not to ignore such a signal and consult a doctor in a timely manner. And wearing a ring with a fiery nugget will protect against the epidemic.

Magic properties

Fire opal not only looks mysterious, but also has magical properties:

protection from black witchcraft, intrigue, envy, evil words;
development of clairvoyance - the stone can be used in rituals to look into the future;
protecting your home from natural disasters and theft;
development of hidden talents, disclosure of creative potential;
protection of spouses from quarrels, betrayals, separation;
a talisman for people with strong character and will;
peace for a person who has suffered severe grief, help in dealing with loss, searching for the meaning of life.

Important information

It is not recommended to wear fire opal for weak-willed and passive people. The stone can suppress them and attract misfortune.

To increase the power of the fire opal, it is better to wear it in a gold or silver frame.

The magic of fiery overflows

Over the centuries-old history of the mineral, there have been many legends and tales about it that contradict each other. For some peoples, fire opal symbolizes good luck and purity of feelings, while for others it is the cause of problems and strife. Perhaps this is due to the fact that not everyone is able to tame this nugget. For strong, strong-willed people, the stone will become a reliable talisman, and for weak-willed people, it will become a source of evil fate.

The magical abilities of the mineral, described by ancient people and confirmed by contemporaries, are impressive:

A fiery gem makes a person clairvoyant. This ability helped ancient sorcerers look into the past and future. Today, magical rituals are also performed with the help of this gem - clairvoyants unravel mysteries, identify past mistakes, helping a person change his destiny.
Fiery nuggets are reliable protectors from any evil, including witchcraft, the evil eye, curse and other negativity. In addition, the talisman wards off intrigue, gossip, and the envy of ill-wishers from the owner.
This type of opal protects your home from thieves and natural disasters, provided that the gem or a product made from it is constantly in the house.
A fire talisman reveals hidden talents in a person, and therefore acts as a source of inspiration for gifted individuals.
The amulet will protect spouses from conflicts, betrayals, and separations.
Opal will give peace of mind to someone who has suffered great grief, for example, the loss of a loved one. The talisman will help you cope with loss and find the meaning of life again. Silver jewelry with fire opal will best cope with this task.

It is worth remembering the dangerous side of using the mineral. The gem is categorically not suitable for passive individuals who love regularity and tranquility. The fire stone will cause internal discomfort, exciting feelings and consciousness. The owner of the nugget must be a person capable of taming the fiery ardor of the gem. The stone will submit to such an owner and will serve faithfully.

Important! The best setting for fire opal is gold or silver. These metals will increase the magical powers of the gem.

It is also dangerous that morality and purity of thoughts have no meaning for the gem. The stone will equally fulfill the will of its owner, good intentions or even dishonest actions.

Also read: Pegmatite - a unique volcanic stone

Who suits them by zodiac sign and names?

The mineral is characterized by serious energy, so it is not suitable for representatives of all zodiac signs:

It will be an excellent talisman for Scorpio , enhancing the energy and performance of the sign. With its help, Scorpio will be able to realize many noble goals.
Sagittarians may not be afraid of troubles and dangers if they have fire opal jewelry. The mineral will become a real talisman for them.
The gem is also suitable for Leos . It frees the representatives of this sign from excessive accumulation of emotions and teaches them to see the world wider than before.
Aries become calmer, eliminate excessive impulsiveness, and
Going to lakes will help you become self-confident and overcome groundless anxiety.

As a patron, fire opal is suitable for people with certain names: Oles, Philips, Pauls, Josephs, Angels, Bronislavs.

Compatibility with other stones

Fire opal belongs to the air element. Therefore, proximity to fellow Air is permissible:

Sapphire;
Topaz;
Rhinestone;
Chrysolite;
Agate;
Tourmaline;
Cornelian.

The fiery nugget shows hostility towards Water gems:

Emerald;
Coral;
Amber;
Pearl.

Such proximity can lead to vibrations that are uncomfortable for the owner.

Application and care

Given its porosity, fragility, increased sensitivity to reagents, human sweat and temperature changes, opal requires increased attention when handling and caring for it. It should be protected from exposure to detergents, hot water, creams and lotions. It is best to always remove your ring before washing dishes, swimming in the pool or taking a bath. From time to time it is good to immerse it in clean, room temperature water so that the stone can restore lost liquid. Then you need to wipe it dry with a soft cloth, lightly polishing the surface.

Jewelry with mineral

Fire opal looks incredibly beautiful in jewelry, but it is quite difficult to work with - the stone is too fragile and porous. Therefore, most of the jewelry is pendants, pendants, earrings and brooches. Rings, cufflinks or bracelets are very rare.

The cost of the product depends on the factors that influence the cost of the insert - color saturation, degree of play of light, transparency of the opal. The most expensive specimens are orange-red stones, reaching a price of 315 US dollars per carat. Jewelry stores offer all kinds of jewelry in the following average price ranges:

A silver pendant costs from 17 to 42 thousand rubles, and a gold one starts from 58 thousand and can reach 170 thousand rubles.
Earrings made of silver are valued on average at about 50,000 rubles, and a product made of gold can reach a cost of 500 thousand.
Rings made of silver start at 18 thousand rubles, and rings made of gold – from 50 thousand.

In order for the mineral to acquire an impeccable appearance, multi-stage processing is carried out, which only an expert in his field can handle. After processing, the stone is placed in a special frame of a special configuration and coated with transparent resin.

We take care of the gem

The fire stone has a “weak spot” over time, or in unfavorable conditions the sunny shades of orange-red colors fade and fade.

Under conditions of total lack of moisture, the stone may crack.

Therefore, to properly care for opal products, follow certain conditions:

For storage, take a separate box or box. Place a piece of damp sponge or foam rubber next to the decoration.
The hardness of opal is low, so protect the jewelry from impacts and mechanical influences.
Opals in general and fire opals in particular do not tolerate the effects of chemicals. Therefore, it is not advisable to clean the house, dust, or take bubble baths with an opal ring.
It is not advisable to clean with ultrasound or use steam cleaning.

The gemstone will also not like sudden changes in temperature.

If the opal has lost its shine, the play of color has diminished and faded, try a simple operation. Polishing stones is a simple and easy job for a jeweler. After it, the stones acquire their pristine beauty.

Important: To restore the brightness of a stone, it is often recommended to wrap it in a damp cloth for several hours.

This is unacceptable for doublets and triplets. Your puff stone, like an old shoe, can come unglued.

How to distinguish a fake?

An imitation of natural fire opal can be made from artificial stone or opalescent glass. You can distinguish a linden gem by knowing the properties of the natural mineral:

Pattern. The internal pattern and play of natural opal are chaotic, while those of the analogue are more ordered.
Coloring. The fake does not change color from different viewing angles.
Transparency. A dark line will be visible inside the fake.
Rainbow light. If you place your fingers between the sun and a natural gem, the passing rays will color the skin in different shades. The fake does not have this feature.

In addition, only real fire opal can refract and scatter light rays. It is worth remembering the quality certificate that is attached to any natural stone in jewelry stores.

In defense of synthetic opals

Most buyers disdain artificial stones. And we will speak in their defense.

Artificial gems do not suffer from low humidity; they better withstand adverse environmental influences. It is quite difficult to distinguish synthetic opal from natural opal visually, but the difference in price is impressive.

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Doublets, triplets, synthetic, natural...

They have recently learned how to synthesize opals in a high-quality manner. The first to create artificial stone was in Austria, in 1964. Less than ten years have passed since the Swiss Gilson began producing synthetic opals, which are in no way inferior to natural gems (even in opalescence).

Now opals are synthesized in Japan, Russia, and China.

Doublets and triplets are mainly made from Australian opals.

A doublet is a thin slice of natural opal; a plate of another mineral (most often black onyx) is glued to it below.
Triplet is a three-layer “sandwich”. The bottom layer is the substrate; in the middle there is a plate of natural opal, on top there is a “lid” of quartz glass. Most often it is processed in cabochon form.

How to wear fire opal jewelry?

Choosing an accompanying decoration for a fire opal is difficult, and often not even necessary. This is a mineral in its own right, too beautiful to be overshadowed. A combination with garnet, amethyst, crystal or sapphire is acceptable, if this does not contradict the image.

Jewelry with a flame gem is not suitable for everyday wear. The reason to wear such jewelry should be a luxurious party or an elite event.

When purchasing jewelry as a magical talisman, it is worth considering the time of purchase - it should be the 25th lunar day. You can use the amulet no earlier than the 11th lunar day of the next cycle.

How to wear and care

Any stone is characterized by certain behavior in everyday life. The main thing is to know what he loves.

How to wear

Mexican opals contain a lot of water, and its loss can cause irreversible changes. The stone is able to restore water balance through the owner’s skin, so jewelry with it should be worn frequently.

Important! Opal jewelry should be worn carefully: no contrast showers, washing dishes with cleaning products, impacts or physical pressure on the stone.

Sometimes jewelry fades with frequent wear. This can be corrected by polishing with a soft cloth.

How to care

The mineral cannot withstand sudden changes in temperature, and if a transparent fire opal becomes covered with cracks, the situation cannot be corrected on its own. You'll have to go to a jewelry shop to have it re-polished (no guarantee).

Store opal in rooms with humid air. To slow down moisture loss, the gem is periodically immersed in clean water. Do not leave the stone in a sunny place or in bright artificial light for a long time.

Cleaning Rules

Opal is a delicate and capricious stone that requires constant attention.

After each wearing it should be wiped with a soft cloth.

Periodically, the mineral in the jewelry needs to be cleaned and polished . Ordinary warm water and a soft cloth - nothing else is required. Modern detergents with alkali are strictly contraindicated. After cleaning, the stone should be wiped dry and then passed over again with a soft cloth for polishing.

When purchasing a precious mineral, a person does not think about the complexity of the structure or the unpredictable nature of fire opal. Sometimes the price doesn’t scare you either. He's handsome, and that's all.

Product care rules

Jewelry made from fragile opal should be used with extreme delicacy and caution. Such a stone is harmed by gassed, smoky or alcohol-contaminated air. Temperature changes can cause the gem to crack, and compression can easily deform. Several care rules must be followed, otherwise there is a risk of quickly losing a beautiful and expensive piece of jewelry:

Do not allow the stone to dry out. To do this, you can periodically moisten the mineral with a wet cloth or sometimes place the gem in a vessel with water. An air-conditioned room is also ideal for storage.
Protect the product from exposure to direct sunlight.
The gem can easily be stained with food coloring, ink, or any other coloring matter, so the jewelry must be removed before such work.
Warm water and a soft cloth are suitable for cleaning. After washing, you need to wipe the stone dry.
Regular polishing with a silk cloth is advisable.

Physical properties

In terms of its physical properties, opal is distinguished by its crystal lattice. It can imbibe shells, mollusks and other plant remains in animals to form fossils. Opals fill the spaces between rocks and combine with other stones.

Opalescence is considered a rare and very beautiful effect - the phenomenon of the glow of a gem from the inside, which is scattered in different colors on the outer surface. If the stone is initially white, then the glow can be white, blue, yellow or green. Fire opals are characterized by a type of greenish-brown glow.

The fact is that the mineral contains water, which can amount to up to 13% of the composition. This makes the opal very transparent. If the stone is at least a little dull or cloudy, then the percentage of moisture in it is lower. In this case, the find automatically becomes semi-precious. The rarest specimens are those with a higher percentage, in some cases reaching up to 30%.

The mineral owes such a rich palette of colors and lighting to its composition. Opals contain a lot of oxides.

The chemical formula of the stone is SiO2·nH2O.

It may contain additional impurities, for example Fe2O3, MgO, CaO. The hardness of the stone starts at 5.5 and can reach 6.5. The density is quite low due to the presence of water - from 1.96 to 2.2 grams per cubic centimeter. The refraction ranges from 1.44 to 1.46. The fracture of the stone is conchoidal and has high fragility. Cleavage is almost completely absent. The syngony of the stone is amorphous. The luster varies greatly and can be vitreous or pearlescent, dull or greasy, even waxy. The transparency of the stone ranges from high to translucent. The mineral can be completely dissolved in an alkaline environment. Prices for fire opals are high, so jewelry containing it should be protected from chemicals.

Horoscope compatibility

Fire opal is one of those stones that must be selected according to the horoscope. This gem needs complete energetic compatibility with the owner, otherwise the latter will face health problems, insomnia, and the appearance of unreasonable anxiety and fears.

The energetically fiery gem is ideally compatible with only two zodiac signs, and three more constellations have a chance to make friends with the stone.

(“+++” – the stone fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated):

Zodiac sign	Compatibility
Aries	+
Taurus	—
Twins	—
Cancer	—
a lion	+
Virgo	—
Scales	—
Scorpion	+++
Sagittarius	+++
Capricorn	+
Aquarius	—
Fish	—

Scorpion. The ideal energy tandem. The talisman will help representatives of this star family achieve their goals, overcoming all obstacles. In addition, Scorpios will feel a powerful energy boost.
Sagittarius. Also a fully compatible sign of the zodiac circle. For Sagittarius, the fiery mineral will become defenders from all the evil of this world in any of its manifestations.
A lion. Acceptable ally for nugget. The amulet will give Leos peace of mind, suppressing aggressiveness and outbursts of anger.
Aries will find harmony with others and with themselves.
The Capricorn talisman will give you self-confidence and self-confidence.

It is better for other signs to refrain from using the mineral for any purpose. Energy mismatch will lead to unpredictable, often grim consequences.

Stones of fate

For those who have experienced mental trauma or the loss of loved ones, the sparkling ember inside the opal will help to calm down, create balance in the soul and achieve harmony with the world around them. An orange or red-yellow stone will make you forget difficult memories faster. For these purposes, it is preferable to wear bracelets or rings with oval inserts.

Aztec and Mayan shamans used fire opals to enter a trance and look into the future and past. Indian sorcerers did the same, revealing clairvoyance abilities. Descriptions of actions are given in ancient treatises. Modern magicians also use the energy of the stone in attempts to change fate, correct mistakes and unravel mysteries.

Fire stones are not suitable for melancholy people. Moral qualities do not matter, opals serve the owner undividedly, and it does not matter at all what specific goals he pursues.

Name compatibility

If a fire opal turns out to be your zodiac ally, you should pay attention to compatibility by name - perhaps the nugget protects you. Any type of opal is suitable for those named:

Angela. For this girl, the mineral symbolizes happiness, hope and tenderness.
Anton. Opal awakens pure thoughts in this man and grants success in love.
Olesya. The talisman will support her in any endeavor and will also calm her soul.
Vitaly. For him, the stone will become a “silencer” of stubbornness, inconsistency, pompousness, protecting him from nervous breakdowns. The talisman will direct Vitaly’s energy towards self-development.

Compatibility by name is only a help for the manifestation of the magic of the stone. A prerequisite is the energetic and personal union of the owner with the talisman.

Names

When you are lucky in life and you acquire a Mexican opal that is compatible with your zodiac sign, you should also pay attention to the compatibility with your name. Any opals, including fire ones, are great for:

Angela. The stone will bring her personal happiness;
Anton. Will become a source of pure and noble thoughts;
Olesya. Will make her successful in all areas of life and will calm her down in critical situations; Vitaly. The nugget will stimulate self-development in a spiritual direction.

Talismans and amulets

An excellent talisman would be earrings, a necklace or a bracelet made of silver or gold with an insert of fire opal. These decorations will help you find harmony and balance and protect the owner from destructive envy and natural disasters. The owner will be able to get rid of the burden of past memories.

The stone is considered fatal. For this reason, it is suitable only for strong people who can cope with its frantic energy. He will destroy the lives of calm people, because he will bring too much energy, which will turn the entire normal way of life upside down.

Ideally, the amulet will be made to order. However, you can also find a suitable option in a jewelry store. The gem is suitable for creative people who are constantly looking for new ideas.

He will constantly guide the person and help him advance in his art. It is recommended to purchase a fire opal amulet for teachers, doctors and caregivers.

If you have recently experienced a tragedy associated with the loss of a loved one, buy an amulet with opal. It will calm the heart, heal a bleeding wound and help you overcome loss. With its help, family people will be able to keep their hearth warm and find true love. Scandals will leave the house.