Fire Opal
Fire opals are appropriately named for their fiery cherries, sunburst yellows and deep tangerines. Unique and mysterious, fire opal is remarkable in that unlike many other opals its play of color is minimal. Also known as Mexican opal, Mexican fire opal, Tanzanian fire opal, cherry fire opal, Ethiopian fire opal, Brazilian fire opal or sun opal, its legendary popularity instead comes from its breathtaking brilliance, opalescence, extraordinary fiery hues and stunning clarity. Fire opals have been treasured in the Americas since the time of the Aztecs, where they were named quetzalitzlipyollitli or “gem of the bird of paradise.” Coveted by the Aztecs as symbols of intense love, such radiant gemstones were believed to have emerged from the primordial waters of creation. While fire opal is predominately sourced from Mexico (and occasionally Australia), this gem has recently been found in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mali and now Brazil. While opal has been mined in Brazil since approximately 1945, production has always been very limited, making it difficult to secure commercial quantities. Today, the Piaui State is increasingly garnering international acclaim for its opals, with their quality favorably compared to Australian opals, arguably the world’s finest. With the enforcement of new mining regulations, scarcity has increased, strengthening the appeal of this relatively new addition to the opal family.
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