gemstone

Orange fire opal jewelry

Precious opal, hydrated amorphous silica (SiO₂·nH₂O)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically orange to red with vitreous-to-waxy luster and possible play-of-color; hardness about 5.5–6.5 Mohs, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.0–2.2. The photographed stone is a polished, faceted or cabochon-cut gem in a gold-colored setting.

Identified August 11, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Orange fire opal jewelry in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Opal forms when silica-rich groundwater deposits hydrated silica in cavities and fractures, commonly in volcanic terrains; most jewelry fire opal comes from Mexico, formed during Cenozoic volcanic activity. Age varies by deposit.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in rings, earrings, and pendants; valued as a gemstone rather than for industrial use.

Geological facts

Fire opal’s vivid body color comes mainly from iron impurities; transparent orange material may show flashes of spectral play-of-color, while common fire opal may not.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its low hardness, light weight, hydrated-silica appearance, and orange-red body color; distinguish from glass by hardness and internal structure, though laboratory testing is needed to confirm. Common sources include Querétaro, Mexico, Ethiopia, Australia, and Brazil.