FIRE OPAL - Mexico
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FIRE OPAL
Querétaro, Mexico
Although the Aztecs mined opal in Mexico several centuries ago it was not until the 19th century that it was mined on a commercial scale. The reddish-orange fire opal from the Querétaro area is well known. It is translucent and beautiful but much of it does not show a play of colour.
Mexican opal occurs mostly in bubble-like gas cavities in rhyolitic lava flows and is mined in open-pit quarries. This is different to Australian opals which are found in sedimentary rocks.
Querétaro, Mexico
Although the Aztecs mined opal in Mexico several centuries ago it was not until the 19th century that it was mined on a commercial scale. The reddish-orange fire opal from the Querétaro area is well known. It is translucent and beautiful but much of it does not show a play of colour.
Mexican opal occurs mostly in bubble-like gas cavities in rhyolitic lava flows and is mined in open-pit quarries. This is different to Australian opals which are found in sedimentary rocks.
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Size: 6 x 6 x 5 centimetres
Weight: 100 grams
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