So even though Fire Opals are from outside Australia we thought these five tips would be handy. They are most commonly found in Maxico and generally embedded in volcanic rock formations near the Yucatan Peninsula in Southern Mexico. Stability Fire opals are extremely fragile in nature, and unfortunately can be prone to crack within just a few months of wear. Check if the fire opal retailer keeps the stone for at least a year before selling it, and if they offer a guarantee against natural cracks and fissures. Most reputable dealers do! Clarity Look closely at the brightness or clarity o...

Every single opal owner will tell you that they feel on top of the world when wearing it. If you think they are exaggerating, you are wrong. When people look at this precious gemstone for the first time, they can hardly believe what they see and once they are captured by the beauty of opal’s mystical fire, it never stops glowing in their eyes. It is no wonder people call it "The Queen of gems". As being one of the six most valuable gems in the world along with the rubies, sapphires, diamonds, pearls and jade, opal is a truly fascinating stone. Unlike diamonds’ glamorous look, which can mak...

Of all opals in the world, the finest gemstones of the highest quality are found in Australia. That's why this precious stone is Australia's National gemstone. Opal's popularity grows every day due to its fascinating beauty. Many people think that nothing in this world is ever black and white. When it comes to opals - this opinion may not be true. Some say that black opal is "The mother of all gemstones", and they say it for a good reason. The black opal earned this title because it’s the only stone that has every other gemstone’s color in it and Australia is the only place in the world wh...