Mexican Gemstones

Fire Opal

Mexico is famous for its “Fire Opal” gemstone. It is defined as a transparent to translucent stone with an orange to red body color which may or may not show a play of color.

What are its origins?

Opal was first discovered in the Mexican state of Queretaro in 1835, near San Juan del Rio and Tequisquiapan. Opal occurrences are fairly widespread in the northern volcanic regions of Mexico, and some are found in Guatemala and Honduras. Pre-Columbian relics in anthropology museums show that the Olmecs, Aztecs and Mayans used and traded opal, along with jade and other semiprecious stones.

If you want your own piece of fire, you can find it at Mexico Sterling today!