Article Highlights
History
In ancient times, orange fire opals were admired as symbols of sincere love, especially in India and the Persian kingdom. The Amerindians and Central American people also adored this precious stone. Many believed the rock bubbled over with vivacity. It could have only appeared in the waters of paradise. Ancient Aztecs and Mayas appreciated this gemstone and utilized it for ceremonial and mosaics.
It was typically known as the ‘stone of the bird of paradise’ and also quetzalitzlipyollitli. However, the gemstone knowledge passed on to different generations sank into oblivion until around 1835. The treasures hidden inside the Mexican highlands were now remembered, and mining activities gradually began. Today orange opal is a national gemstone in Mexico.
Significant deposits of the orange opal are found in Mexico. The rock strata that contain the opals are located in the Mexican highlands and the extinct volcanoes. Orange opal is mined in open-cast mines with only a few exceptions of the stone hidden in the crevices and cavities. These orange-red gemstones also occur in various countries such as Guatemala and Honduras in the United States, Australia, Turkey, Canada, and Ethiopia. However, the deposits in these countries do not significantly impact the economy. In Brazil, things are a bit different.
Yellow to orange fire opals was found several years ago in the Rio Grande do Sul near Campos Borges. That was in an agate mine. The orange opals were different because of the unique color and slight clouding. Fire opals have an expressive warm orange in various forms, from light red to yellow. They occur in huge sizes as raw stones. Some could be as massive as a fist. These Brazilian stones are bringing out all the brilliance in the gemstone world.
How is Orange opal formed?
The process of fire opal formation is quite complex. A type of volcanic rock called serpentinite is necessary to form the opals. This rock must be heated until it becomes molten and cooled quickly. When this process happens in a particular area, the minerals and impurities will settle according to their weight. The heavier minerals will remain at the bottom of the melt while the lighter minerals will rise to the top. These softer minerals are what form the opals. They occur as the sun’s bright-red orange fire opals. These stones were highly regarded in the Mayan and Aztec civilizations.
Where is orange opal found?
This gemstone is unique because it is uniquely found in Mexico and South America in large deposits. In fact, this gave them the name Mexican opals. In Mexico, the gemstone is found in different places, including the states of Guerrero, Hidalgo, Chihuahua, Julisio, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, and Michoacan. The Queretaro mines produce the most significant deposits and have been active since the stone was rediscovered in 1835. Even today, you will come across tiny Mexican fire opal pebbles flowing in lava.
Orange Opal Meaning
The significance of these stones goes much further than what meets the eye. In ancient cultures, the fire opal was seen as a powerful talisman that could bring good luck. The Aztecs believed that the stones were imbued with the spirit of Venus, who was known as the Morning and Evening Star. The Mayans considered the fire opal to be one of the most sacred gems and believed that it would protect its wearer from harm when worn.
Orange opal is a romantic and beautiful stone. Like the impressive wildlife and astonishing landscapes it is mined from, fire opal is a spark of light and color. It stands out among other astounding mineral stones thanks to its playful aesthetics. This gemstone is an external flame of happiness and charm. It will serve as a positive light within you that brings out all the good things in you. Even when in turmoil and dark energy, orange opal will help see you through from its healing properties. It does not matter how thick things seem; there is always a tiny spark in you. It is what orange opal ignites to help you through.
Life can be challenging, and you may forget the warm feeling inside you. The stone will help you loosen the darkness grip and let you see past the pain and see the beauty of life once more.
Healing Properties and Benefits
Orange Opal is a powerful crystal that can help you connect with your spiritual side. It can soothe and heal your body and mind. It is also said to be a protective stone, helping you stay safe from harm. Fire opal helps keep evil spirits away and can help you to connect with your intuition. It also has the power to clear your energy and connect you with your higher self.
Physical Healing
According to practitioners, orange opal has physical healing properties. The crystal does not have any single function or healing property, but it can be helpful in many areas. It affects the overall functioning of your body hence translating to better health. One of the biggest flexes of this crystal is the ability to enhance your blood. It boosts your red blood cell production and ensures proper blood oxygen circulation.
That, in turn, enhances the performance of other critical organs in the body. With the help of this stone, you will also see an improvement in your immune system. You will be able to fight diseases and remain healthy. The crystal can alleviate chronic pain and pressure on your spine, which reduces lower back pain. Orange opal is also a crystal for fertility, ensuring safe pregnancy for women.
Emotional Healing
Orange opal also focuses on your emotional health. The crystal is responsible for that spark of life when things go south. It will help you rediscover your passion and purpose in life, even in tough times. Life is full of ups and downs, and they are times you may feel overwhelmed like you have no reason to keep pushing. You are not alone, and some people are hit hard by the downs than others. It may feel like a constant battle where you feel like you are sinking deeper and deeper in despair. Do not give in, as the fire opal will help you rediscover yourself once more. The stone will not allow darkness to take over. It is the ultimate support system that will help you through the tough times.
Its vibrations will make you feel like a conqueror and rejuvenate your passion in life. Even for people struggling with some old emotions, the crystal will help you overcome them. Many times, people are held back by their past, which holds them back for long. Fire opal will help heal these old wounds and help you carry on with life. However, note that the crystal will not help you forget anything. As much as these memories are painful, they are a part of you and shaped your life. You should not strive so much to forget these past experiences. Fire opal will teach you to gather the positives from these past experiences and move on. It will help you loosen your grip on the past and let the memories fade away.
Spiritual Healing
Orange opal is known for positivity. Its properties shine optimism and joy in the life of the wearer. Remember, spirituality involves learning about the universe, yourself, and your place in the universe. It is a journey towards enlightenment and wisdom. Most people love their comfort zone and spirituality. They resist new experiences and do not fancy expanding their spirituality. Fire opal will help you expand your spirituality and embrace new experiences. Broadening your horizons lets you enjoy the beauty of life.
Metaphysical Properties
Orange opal is a metaphysical healer. It resonates well with two chakras, the first one being the sacral chakra. The sacral chakra is the center of your feelings and emotions. The chakra is responsible for feelings of pleasure and has strong ties to your sexual organs. This chakra point has a massive influence on your well-being.
The crystal also enhances your root chakra, the life force energy. Once the stone triggers these chakras, your life will feel balanced. The rock acts as a ray of light striking through darkness and rejuvenating your life.
Orange Fire Opal vs. Orange Sapphire. What’s the difference?
Fire opal is a dark stone, while orange sapphire is a lighter stone. Orange sapphire has a softer color and is less intense than fire opal. In terms of durability, fire opal is less durable since it has a lesser hardness rating. It rates 5.5 to 6.5 Mohs, while orange sapphire stands at 9 Mohs. Fire opal has a bold appearance and is associated with passion, love, and power. Orange sapphire represents wisdom and wealth.
Cleansing
Consider cleansing your orange opal now and then. Cleansing in this context means recharging and enhancing its healing properties. Place the crystal in a bowl containing clean water to refresh. That is because it dries up after some time, making it dehydrated and losing its healing properties. Soaking it in water will hydrate it and maintain its healing powers.
Zodiac Connection
The crystal can benefit anyone who wishes to use its healing powers. However, it resonates strongly with Geminis. It can help Gemini address its significant weaknesses. Geminis are known to have dual personalities, which makes them indecisive.
Regardless of their decision, there is always a compromise or a sacrifice. That could easily lead to dark energy. Fire opal will help them make the right choices and stay positive.
Orange Opal Value
Orange opals are much more valuable than other opals since they are rare. The rarest fire opal is the red crystal, which is the most valuable. The yellow and orange deposits are more common, meaning they are cheaper. The quality of the crystal determines its value, with the intense hues being more valuable. The price of the crystal per carat could range from $50 to around $10,000.
