Description
Fire Opal Dragonfly Pendant Necklace 925 Sterling Silver Gemstone Jewellery 20″ Cable Chain & Boxed
31mm x 26mm Pendant
Fire opal, also known as Mexican opal, is a variety of opal valued for its vivid and vibrant play-of-colour, which is the optical phenomenon that causes the stone to exhibit a spectrum of colours when viewed from different angles. Unlike common opals, fire opals are typically transparent to translucent and may display hues such as red, orange, yellow, and sometimes green.
The most distinctive feature of fire opals is their fiery and warm colours. These can range from yellow and orange to vivid red. The intensity and distribution of colours contribute to the stone’s appeal.
Fire opals are known for their transparency. This means that light can pass through the gem, enhancing the play-of-colour effect. The transparency allows for the gem to be faceted and used in Jewelry.
While not all fire opals exhibit a play-of-colour, many do, and this phenomenon is highly prized. Play-of-colour is caused by the diffraction of light, resulting in the appearance of different colours as the stone is moved.
Although fire opals can be found in various locations, Mexican fire opals, in particular, are renowned for their exceptional colour. Mexico is a significant source of high-quality fire opals.
Fire opals are often cut in various styles, including cabochons and faceted cuts. Cabochons showcase the stone’s play-of-colour, while faceted cuts can intensify the brilliance.
It’s important to note that fire opals are distinct from precious opals, which are known for their opalescence or play-of-colour against a milky or dark background. Fire opals, with their transparent nature and warm colours, have their own unique allure and are appreciated for their striking appearance in Jewelry.
