Fire Opal Dangle Earrings

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Fire opals are unique in the lush world of the opals. They are often red, orange, green, blue, purple or gold, and are aptly named for their fiery color. The color itself comes fro m the fine traces or iron oxide, along with other minerals. The "fire" is caused by light passing through the microstructures of the opal that diffract and reflect light to create a play of color. Fire opals consist of silicic acid with relatively high water content, sometimes as much as 3% to 10% water rich iron and other minerals that enter a cavity and form the opal over time. This opal stands apart from other types in many ways, but perhaps the most interesting is through the strength and durability of the stone. Most opals are most notoriously soft, however, the Ethiopian fire opal is not nearly as delicate as its counterparts while still containing the gorgeous opal characteristics. Show more