Facetted Fire Opals – pulsating life and beauty from volcanic embers
Facetted Fire Opals generally have no play of color. Their clearness, however, is ideal for faceting. Body color and transparency are the most important criteria for measuring the value of facetted Fire Opals. The more transparent the opal is, the greater is its glow after cutting and the more intensely dark red its body color, the greater is its value.
History reveals that Fire Opals were worshipped 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 they were used in jewelry and as talismans in spiritual practices. Ancient records from the Mayans and Aztecs 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 important mining areas for Fire Opals are in Mexico. Mining areas in other countries like Brazil, the United States, Ethiopia, Turkey and Australia are of lesser economic importance.
The opal-cutting factory Emil Weis has specialized in Mexican Fire Opals for more than 70 years.
Fire Opal in rough material is always in great demand and because of our longstanding mining partnerships in the most important mining areas Emil Weis can bring you the best selection of qualities and sizes.
