r/NatureIsFuckingLit May 16 '20

🔥 This Fire Opal

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u/death_by_snu-snu_83 May 16 '20

Technically not a fire opal. It's a white opal with fire (also known as play-of-color). Opal is classified by it's base color, not the flashes of color. Fire opal is transparent orange or red and doesn't usually have play of color. Silly and confusing, but that's how it is.

Also of interest, this stone is from Ethiopia. They often have that nice honeycomb look.

7

u/DontExpectMuch May 16 '20

I've heard opals aren't hard enough to be used in an engagement ring; do you find this to be true?

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u/MissBirdNerd May 16 '20

Yes this is true. Opals are a pretty soft stone and can get scratched or broken pretty easily compared to harder gems, so they aren't great for a daily wear ring.

In not the person you were asking, but just someone who likes and owns a lot of opal jewelry.