The fire opal exudes a magnificent charm, thanks to its riveting reddish-orange hue. And if you are already planning to buy this lovely gemstone, then you are on the right page, because you certainly need to know how to look after it.
So, join us today as we discuss some tips to show you how you can care for this spectacular jewel.
But First, Here’s Some Quick Flashback
According to archaeological archives, it is believed that opals were first mined in East Africa, somewhere during the Bronze Age. Some other sources say that modern-day Ethiopia remains the earliest mining location for fire opals, and even today it continues to remain a bountiful source. Currently, Australia, the United States and Mexico are some other sources of this vibrant gem.
Is It Valuable?
Fire opals are definitely valuable and most of the heirloom-quality stones are highly-priced in the jewellery industry. Their overall value depends on the appearance of the stone, including its base colouration, brilliance, and transparency.
So How Do You Care for This Gem?
Fire opals are truly one of the most eye-catching gemstones available on this planet. However, they require timely care and maintenance as they are quite delicate. With a rating of 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, this jewel is certainly susceptible to chipping and breaking. But by keeping the following tips in mind, you can maintain this gemstone’s beauty and brilliance for years to come.
1. Storage Matters
Although fire opals have a considerable amount of water content, they are still prone to becoming brittle, especially if stored incorrectly. So, it is imperative that you do not keep them in a warm or dry place for a prolonged period of time, as doing so can lead to fracture lines that are also known as crazing. So, a safer way to store your opal jewellery would be to wrap the piece neatly in a felt-lined box with individual compartments. This will ensure that the stone is away from other harder gems and accessories.
If you wish to store it for a longer period of time, you can also keep your fire opal jewellery in cotton wool with a few drops of water to lock in the moisture and then tuck it in a cool, dark place. This trick will work for even the dainty jewellery pieces such as opal rings as well as studs.
2. Clean It Right
You can keep your fire opal jewellery clean by wiping it with a damp microfiber cloth after every use. This will help rehydrate the gem, while also cleaning the superficial dirt and grime that may have accumulated on the surface of the piece.
3. Keep Away from Chemicals
Ensure that this gem is protected from bleach, perfumes, hairsprays, etc. Even ultrasonic and steam cleaners are not particularly safe for your fire opal jewellery, so do not use them to avoid any unnecessary damage. Moreover, be mindful of removing the piece and keeping it aside before engaging in any activities like cooking, swimming, exercising and gardening.
Parting Note
Like every other gemstone, fire opals also require love, care, and affection. And we hope that the tips mentioned above will make the process a lot easier for you.
Also Read: How to Care for Amethyst?
