Fire opals are unique in the lush world of the opals. Fire opals are often red, orange, green, blue, and purple or gold. They are named for their fiery colour. The colour itself comes from fine traces of 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 a relatively high water content, sometimes as much as 3% to 10% water make up the opal. It is believed the gems were formed by hot water rich in iron and other minerals that enter a cavity and form the opal over time. With a hardness of between 5.5 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and water making up a portion of the opal mineral, the fire opal is among the somewhat sensitive gemstones which require a protective setting and special care, especially when set as a ring. Avoiding high heat and extreme dry conditions will prolong the life of your opal. Fire opal is said to help one bring about spontaneous action, it may help one to initiate new ideas, be creative, stimulate enthusiasm and optimism, and acts as a magnet to draw in money or customers to a business. Whatever your beliefs may you enjoy your fire opal.
