Cabochon Yellow
The Fire Opal Of Mexico
In the world of colored gemstones it is color which matters most, and a number of gemstones with outstanding color are highly regarded despite having some fairly obvious shortcomings. Opal is a good example.
All of the opals have a variety of gemstone characteristics which are, let us say, less than ideal. These include softness, a tendency to dehydrate and crack, physical weakness and sensitivity to heat and chemicals. They are the most delicate gemstones commonly worn. But despite these shortcomings, they continue to be very popular because of their unique color.
The traditional precious opal, with its unique play of color, has been valued since Ancient Rome. During the Middle Ages, precious opal was regarded as especially lucky because it displayed the colors of many different gemstones. Not every culture has had the same view, however. A well-known Russian superstition associates precious opal with the evil eye.
Recently we have seen growing interest in one of the lesser know opals, the so-called fire opal. This is an opal known not for its play of color, but for its vivid body color, which ranges from white to yellow to orange to red.
Like all opals, the fire opal is amorphous hydrated silicon dioxide. “Amorphous” indicates that opal has no crystalline structure; “hydrated” means that it contains water, typically from 3 to 10%. Opal is actually considered to be a kind of hardened jelly. But fire opal has some unusual characteristics not shared by other opals.
Opal is typically opaque and is cut en cabochon. Fire opal is the only kind of opal that can be transparent to translucent, and you will often find the higher-grade material cut in facets. People seeing these gems for the first time are often surprised to find out that they are opals.
The color range of fire opal can be can quite wide, and some pieces display multiple colors in a single stone. The brilliant sunny yellows are highly regarded, but it is the more saturated orange and orange-red which is especially valuable.
Fire opal is associated especially with Mexico, and is mined in the Mexican states of Queretaro, Hidalgo, Guerrero, Michoacan, Julisio, Chihuahua and San Luis Potosi. The most important mines in Queretaro were discovered in 1835 and are still producing today. Small quantities of fire opal can also be found in Oregon, USA and British Columbia, Canada.
Since fire opal has a high water content, it should be protected from heat and prolonged exposure to strong light, which could dry it out. Lapidaries cure fire opal by drying it before cutting to make reduce instability, so it is actually not that delicate. But due to its relative softness (5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale), it is best suited for pendants, earrings and brooches, not rings.
About the Author
GemSelect is a leading online dealer in fine gemstones, specializing in sapphire, spinel, fire opal and zircon. Buy Precious Gemstones Online
Large Designer Freeform Cabochon Dinosaur Bone Orange, Red, Black and Mustard Yellow Cells
|
|
2pcs 40×30mm Flatback Oval Lolita Skull Cameo Resin Cabochons Yellow RB0621-10 $0.99 |
|
|
4pcs 18×13mm Flatback Oval Lolita Skull Cameo Resin Cabochons Yellow RB0619-9 $0.99 |
|
|
Estate Vintage 10K Yellow Gold 5.00 CT Agate Cabochon Solitaire Bezel Ring 8.25 $128.99 |
|
|
178ct Natural Oval Cabochon Green Malachite 14k yellow gold pendant n Cherry Box $250.00 |
|
|
Estate Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Turquoise Cabochon Unique Earrings Kidney Wire $489.00 |
|
|
14K YELLOW GOLD WITH GENUINE GREEN CABOCHON ONYX EARRINGS $325.95 |
|
|
A0008455 Beautiful yellow Onyx Agate CAB CABOCHON $0.61 |
|
|
Stylish Red Cabochon Ruby 14kt. Yellow Gold Estate Ring SIZE 7 $235.00 |
|
|
14KT Yellow Gold Ep Faux Black Onyx Cabochon Oval Stud Earrings $4.99 |
|
|
6pcs 15×15mm Flatback Vintage Flowers Cameo Resin Cabochons Yellow RB0536-11 $0.99 |
|
|
14K Solid Yellow Gold Pendant with ( 5 ) 4mm fiery Cabochon Opals Excellent $80.00 |
|
|
6pcs 18×17mm Flatback Vintage Rose Flower Cameo Resin Cabochons Yellow RB0503-11 $0.99 |
|
|
6pcs 12×12mm Flatback Vintage Flowers Cameo Resin Cabochons Yellow RB0538-11 $0.99 |
|
|
Vintage 1950s Mid Century 15.4mm Green Jadeite Cabochon 14K Yellow Gold Ring $295.00 |
|
|
2pcs 49.5×45 Flatback Vintage Heart Flower Cameo Resin Cabochon Yellow RB0569-11 $0.99 |
|
|
Yellow Turquoise Round Beads Cabochon CAB 10 PCS N209 $3.99 |
|
|
1940s Scarab Bracelet – 14k Yellow Gold – 7 Semi-Precious Cabochon Gems $290.00 |
|
|
Blue Agate with Yellow CAB Cabochon L324065 $11.61 |
|
|
4pcs 18×13mm Flatback Oval Lolita Skull Cameo Resin Cabochons Yellow RB0619-13 $0.99 |
|
|
F0005690 Charming Yellow Onyx Agate CAB CABOCHON $2.34 |
|
|
4pcs 19×17 Flatback Vintage Peony Flower Cameo Resin Cabochons Yellow RB0535-11 $0.99 |
|
|
H0001364 Beautiful yellow Onyx Agate CAB CABOCHON $0.94 |
|
|
2pcs 49.5×45 Flatback Vintage Heart Flower Cameo Resin Cabochon Yellow RB0569-11 $0.99 |
|
|
14K Yellow Gold Pendant w/ Approx. 3 ct. Natural Emerald Cabochon Dark Green $249.00 |
|
|
Yellow Banded Opal Cabochon CAB V302145 $2.99 |
|
|
Unheated 4.13 Ct. Oval Cabochon Natural Gemstone Yellow Opal From Mexico $4.25 |
|
|
4 Flatback Resin Plastic Flower Cabochon Yellow and Light Blue 18×18mm RB0770-5 $1.28 |
|
|
6pcs 12×12mm Flatback Vintage Flowers Cameo Resin Cabochons Yellow RB0538-11 $0.99 |
|
|
5pcs 25×18mm Flatback Vintage Rose Flower Cameo Resin Cabochons Yellow RB0568-11 $0.99 |
|
|
4pcs 26.5×25 Flatback Vintage Rose Flower Cameo Resin Cabochons Yellow RB0567-11 $0.99 |
|
|
25 pcs Yellow Orange Detailed Carved Rose Resin Cabs Cabochons Flatbacks Bead $2.25 |
|
|
3pcs 27×27mm Flatback Vintage Sun Flower Cameo Resin Cabochons Yellow RB0555-4 $0.99 |
|
|
Q58740 30×22x7 Yellow Tiger Eye Gem Oval CAB Cabochon $2.99 |
|
|
4pcs Yellow and Blue Owls Lucite Cabochons 18×13mm RB0765-9 $0.99 |
|
|
8pcs Yellow Rose Flower Resin Cabochons 9×9mm RB0631-11 $0.99 |
|
|
13×18x5mm Green Yellow Turquoise Rectangle Cabochon Bead No Hole Pair C1980 $0.99 |
|
|
FREE SHIP 20pcs pink/yellow Resin Flower Flatback Cabochons 17MM BE500 $0.99 |
|
|
FREE SHIP 20pcs red/yellow Resin Flower Flatback Cabochons 17MM BE502 $0.99 |
|
|
IMPRESSIVE!! 25.71CT.NATURAL OPAL CABOCHON YELLOW UNHEATED / GN21782 $1.04 |
|
|
FREE SHIP 20pcs blue/yellow Resin Flower Flatback Cabochons 17MM BE501 $0.99 |
|
|
Yellow Orbs Ocean Jasper Cabochon Zaharagems OJ35 $9.35 |
|
|
8pcs 10×10mm Flatback Vintage Flowers Cameo Resin Cabochons Yellow RB0551-11 $0.99 |
|
|
5.80 CT. UNHEATED OVAL CABOCHON YELLOW FIRE OPAL CC611 $0.99 |
|
|
4pcs Lolita Resin Cabochons Yellow Vintage Style Cameo 18×13 wholesale RB0619-13 $0.99 |
|
|
Dry Yellow Chrysanthemum Round Cabochon Vintage Brass Setting Fashion Ring $6.50 |
|
|
10pcs Vintage Resin Cabochons Cameo Red Yellow and Black Bird34*22*16mm RT101 $0.99 |
|
|
Blue Agate with Yellow CAB Cabochon L324038 $2.99 |
|
|
2 18K solid Yellow Gold Rings Blue Topaz And Garnet bezel cabochon 8g Size 5 $425.00 |
|
|
FREE SHIP 20pcs green/yellow Resin Flower Flatback Cabochons 17MM BE505 $0.99 |
|
|
FREE SHIP 20pcs white/yellow Resin Flower Flatback Cabochons 17MM BE492 $0.99 |
|
|
ArtisanStreet’s Yellow Box Wood Stopper with Jasper Cabochon – Hand Turned $38.50 Enjoy your favorite wine with this beautiful bottle stopper made from Australian Yellow Box burl and topped with a natural stone Jasper cabochon. MADE IN AMERICA… |
|
|
Chloe Lighting CH19B441DT 3 Light Birds Harmony Table Lamp $407.50 CH19B441DT Features: -Table lamp.-Shade material: Tiffany style Copper foiled glass.-Pull chain switches and on-cord rotary switch.-Indoor setting.-821 Glass pieces.-48 Cabochons.-UL approved. Construction: -Resin base construction. Specifications: -Accommodates (2) 60W Medium bulbs and (2) 7W Candelabra bulbs. Assembly Instructions: -Assembly required. Dimensions: -Overall Dimensions: 29” H X 1… |
|
|
Chloe Lighting CH18780FL 2 Light Victorian Floor Lamp $241.99 CH18780FL Features: -Floor lamp.-Shade material: Tiffany style Copper foiled glass.-Pull chain switches.-Indoor setting.-300 Glass pieces.-18 Cabochons.-UL approved. Construction: -Resin and metal base construction. Color/Finish: -Amber, Red, Purple, Green and Yellow colored shades. Specifications: -Accommodates (2) 60W Medium bulbs. Assembly Instructions: -Assembly required. Dimensions: -Overall… |
|
|
Tiffany Style Butterfly Accent Table Lamp with Thirteen Cabochons $40.99 CH09B220NL Features: -Table lamp.-Shade material: Tiffany style Copper foiled glass.-On-cord rotary switch.-Indoor setting.-135 Glass pieces.-13 Cabochons.-UL approved. Construction: -Resin base construction. Color/Finish: -Blue, Purple and Green colored shades. Specifications: -Accommodates (1) 15W Candelabra bulb. Dimensions: -Overall Dimensions: 10” H X 6” W…. |
|
|
Orange and Fuchsia Soft Headband by Deepa Gurnani $68.00 Deepa Gurnani creates jewelry for the hair that is truly amazing! The term “Headband” suddenly seems obsolete when you see her exquisite and very creative hair accessories. They do as much for your outfit as any pair of earrings or necklace. All of our Deepa Gurnani headbands are lined with cotton and have elastic cord in the back for a snug, yet comfortable, fit. This hair ornament features w… |
|
|
14k Yellow Gold Estate Cabochon Sapphire Cufflinks Set $1,525.00 : This Is A Striking 14K Yellow Gold Set Of Gents Cufflinks, And 3 Studs. The Cufflinks Are Double Sided, Set With Rich Blue Sapphire Cabochons, Each Link Measures 1/2 Inch Round; The 3 Matching Studs Are Of The Same Measurements And Set With Genuine Sapphires As Well. A Perfect Gift For That Special Man In Your Life…. |
|
|
Sterling Silver and 14k Yellow Gold Bezel Cufflinks w/ 13mm Round Cabochon Mother-of-Pearl $90.00 These cuff links are the ideal accents for an evening out. A luminous orb of mother-of-pearl glows within a bezel of 14k yellow gold, surrounded by an outer rim of sterling silver. Between the duo-tones of metal and the neutral beauty of mother-of-pearl, they are bound to be suitable for nearly any dressy occasion…. |
|
|
Genuine Cabochon Lapis Cuff Links $353.00 Genuine Cabochon Lapis Cuff Links… |
|
|
Tiffany Style Butterfly Accent Table Lamp with Nine Cabochons $39.99 CH09B218NL Features: -Table lamp.-Shade material: Tiffany style Copper foiled glass.-On-cord rotary switch.-Indoor setting.-91 Glass pieces.-9 Cabochons.-UL approved. Construction: -Resin base construction. Specifications: -Accommodates (1) 15W Candelabra bulb. Dimensions: -Overall Dimensions: 10” H X 6” W…. |
|
|
Tiffany Style Dragonfly Torchiere Floor Lamp with 93 Cabochons $145.99 CH14A145TF Features: -Floor lamp.-Shade material: Tiffany style Copper foiled glass.-Foot stepper switch.-Indoor setting.-363 Glass pieces.-93 Cabochons.-UL approved. Construction: -Metal base construction. Color/Finish: -Amber, Blue, Pink and Purple colored shades. Specifications: -Accommodates (1) 60W Medium bulb. Assembly Instructions: -Assembly required. Dimensions: -Overall Dimensions: 71” … |
