Facetted Fire Opals – pulsating life and beauty from volcanic embers
Faceted Fire Opals generally have no play-of-colour. Their clarity, however, is ideal for faceting. Body color and transparency are the most important criteria for measuring the value of faceted Fire Opals. The more transparent the opal, the greater its glow after cutting; the more intensely red its body colour, the greater the opal's value.
History reveals that Fire Opals were revered by cultures in the Central and South American continent, as well as in India and in the Old Persian Kingdom. They were seen as symbols of love, and were set in jewellery and used as talismans in spiritual practices. Ancient records from the Mayan and Aztec civilisations show us that they believed these vividly sparkling gemstones came from the waters of paradise and therefore were called “Quetzalitzlipyollitli,” or the “stones of the bird of paradise.”
Jewellery with Fire Opals
Here you can see a small selection of jewellery with Fire Opals.
You can find more examples in the opal jewellery section and in our online shop.
Mining and processing
The world’s most significant mining areas for Fire Opals are found in Mexico. Mining areas in other countries such as Brazil, the United States, Ethiopia, Turkey, and Australia are of lesser economic importance.
The opal cutting factory at Emil Weis Opals has specialised the production of Mexican Fire Opals for more than 70 years.
Rough Fire Opal material is always in great demand. Because of our longstanding mining partnerships in the most important mining areas, Emil Weis Opals is able to bring you the best selection of qualities and sizes.
