What is the fiery opal?
Opal Fire, sometimes called Girasol, is a characteristic type of opal found in Central and South America, which has a dark orange to red fire color that has captured jewelers for centuries. Unlike other opals, the fiery opal is not really opalescent, although it consists of silicon oxide oxide, such as other opals and quartz. The color of the stone comes from the iron oxide, which is a significantly red -orange contaminant that often turns gems. The rich flamelike colorful dancing with light when the stone is properly cut, but the inside of the stone is usually clear and without inclusions. The stone was known as the quetzalitzlipyolliti or the "stone of the Bird of Paradise", because the American believe that the living color of the stone could only come from the paradise. The stones were observed with early European explodemrers and in Europe in Europe became jewelry made of fiery opals. The traditional cut for stone is a cabochon, a soft, round cut that minimizes stone damage and emphasizes the beautiful color.
Mexico and Brazil are two primary sources for fire opal, although their deposits exist in other countries. The stone is so essential for Mexican history and economy that it is a national stone of Mexico and several beautiful specimens are maintained in the Mexican National Museum. The fire opal is mined in open bottom mines and exports around the world, while some mines also cut and polish their raw supplies, while others send it to the market.
Like other opals, the opal is notoriously difficult to handle. It seems that the color can literally flow out of the stone if it is cut into badly and the stone is very fragile, which makes it easier to break disastrous when cutting and polishing. In addition, the opal of the fire must be maintained in a neutral pH environment and will be easily damaged by extreme heat, cold or moisture. At the same time, a fragile balance of water inside the fiery opal must be maintained: most klenoThe Tyks agree that frequent wear is helping to maintain a damp opal, but opals should not be allowed to establish contact with cosmetics and other substances that could cause them cloud.