Mined from: Mexico

Description: Opal is mineraloid made up of tiny spheres of silica (silicon dioxide), which are held together in a jelly-like matrix. Fire opal is a variety of opal known for its bright, fiery colors ranging from yellow to orange to red. The color of fire opal is caused by trace impurities of iron oxides, which can produce a range of colors from yellow and orange to red.

Most often, fire opal does not exhibit the rainbow play-of-color that precious opal is known for - instead, this variety is appreciated for its fiery and vivid red, yellow and orange hues. When a Mexican fire opal shows play of color, it is known as a "contraluz" opal. The name contraluz translates to "against the light," highlighting its unique ability to show off color when light is transmitted through the stone. Many of the higher grade fire opals in this lot are contraluz specimens, exhibiting flashes of blues, greens, and purples when exposed to bright light. Lower graded jars still show the vibrant fiery reds and yellows that this stone is known for, but they are unlikely to show play of color. 

The fire opals in this lot are supplied in small glass bell jars filled with water. The opals are kept in water for two reasons. The first is to provide a visually striking display - the water helps the opals appear transparent and glossy, and also naturally magnifies the stones, making it easier to see color and detail. The second reason is that the water helps protect the stones from cracking due to rapid moisture changes which might occur during storage and shipping. The opals can be taken out of the jar for display as "dry specimens", or left in the jar to display as is. 

Fire opal is often associated with the sacral chakra, which connects to creativity, sexuality, emotional expression, and pleasure. Fire opal is thought to stimulate and enhance creativity and emotional expression. It can be used to encourage a more vibrant and passionate approach to life, fostering a sense of joy and enthusiasm. Its bright, warm colors are believed to energize and invigorate this chakra, helping to balance and enhance one's creative and emotional capacities.

Chemical Composition: Si02

Chakra: Sacral

Approximate Size of 1 Bell Jar: 5.25cm height x 1.8cm diameter
Approximate Weight of 1 Bell Jar: 18g                                                                          Approximate Weight of Opals in 1 Bell Jar: 3g-4g

Quantity: 1 glass bell jar with 3g-4g of opals inside.

We do our best to buy quality products- although not every rock is the same. If you choose to purchase the "staff pick option", we will select the best of the batch for you. Otherwise, it will be at random from the larger batch we have in stock.