Hardness: 6.50
Refractive Index: 1.45
Specific Gravity: 2.10
Birthstone:
Astral Stone:
Anniversary Stone:
Origination: Mexico, Brazil & the former Russia
Care & Cleaning: Like others in its� mineral group, fire opals require some special handling and care. To clean, rub lightly with a soft polishing cloth. If necessary, a plain water rinse may also be used.
Fiction, Facts & Folklore:
The best fire opals are those of a deep red to red-orange color.
Fire opals may be either faceted or cut en cabochon.
Although today Brazil has become a major player in the marketplace, the gems from Mexico still dominate the market. This sometimes causes the Fire Opal to be generally classified as �Mexican fire opal�.
This is technically inaccurate, since some deposits are still found in the former Russia.
The most significant source for the fire opal is believed to be Hildago, Mexico. This area is located near the Yucatan Peninsula. This means even if you don't find any opals you can at least have a nice vacation!
A new deposits of fire opal rough has surfaced in the northeastern section of Brazil. This area produces a golden variety of fire opal that can resemble the hessonite garnet or the hyacinth zircon. It also produces the more traditional colors of red, orange and yellow.
A second find has been recently reported in the southern section of Brazil. As of this writing, the quality and color range has not yet been determined, as these goods have not yet reached the market.
Fire opals are sometimes found embedded in volcanic rocks.
For additional information, see �opal�.