2.85 Ct. Multi Color Cabochon Fire Opal (Flame Opal) from Ethiopia

This Fire Opal, also described as a Flame Opal, is a translucent cushion shaped cabochon weighing 2.85 carat, with precise dimensions of 13.60 x 7.48 x 4.96 mm, and it arrives to the market as a single specimen from Ethiopia. The cutting style is a traditional cabochon, executed to emphasize internal play of color rather than faceted brilliance, and the dome has been shaped to an even, symmetrical profile which optimizes the optical interaction between internal color patches and ambient light. Clarity is graded as eye clean at standard viewing distances, meaning no inclusions are visible to the unaided eye under normal examination, and the color intensity is evaluated as medium, which in this case provides balanced depth without overpowering the translucent body tone. The polish is graded excellent and presents a uniform, mirror like finish over the dome, which contributes to clean light return and minimal surface disruption. There are no enhancements, the material is natural, and provenance is documented to Ethiopian sources, all verifiable through our internal chain of custody at The Natural Gemstone Company.

From a gemological perspective, the opal exhibits multi color fire with dominant spectral greens and secondary oranges, presenting as elongated flashes and patchy broad areas that travel across the dome as the stone is rotated. The fire originates from coherent silica sphere diffraction within the opal matrix, and the translucent body allows for a three dimensional display where internal color layers are visible at varying depths. The patterning can be described technically as broad flash with interspersed linear veins of color, and this arrangement creates visual depth particularly when viewed against bright and directional light. Medium color intensity here denotes a balance between saturation and transparency, where the body color remains subtle enough to allow play of color to speak clearly, yet strong enough to be present against reflective settings. For collectors who reference standardized grading terminology, the combination of translucency, eye clean clarity, and medium intensity places this cabochon in a category prized for wearable versatility and strong optical character.

The cutting and finishing techniques applied to this piece demonstrate careful control of material removal and surface geometry to preserve weight while achieving stability for mounting. Preforming was executed to the cushion outline with attention to maintaining even wall thickness from base to dome apex, and the cabochon dome was raised to a height that optimizes light path length without producing excessive stress on the thinner girdle. Abrasives were graduated from coarse to fine prior to final polish, and the final polish was achieved with a cerium oxide slurry on a fine leather lap to produce the noted excellent polish. The result is a surface without polish pits, with consistent luster across the curved plane, and with edges that are gently rounded to facilitate secure bezel setting options. Given opal hardness characteristics around five and a half to six and a half on the Mohs scale, and known sensitivity to rapid temperature change and dehydration, this cabochon is best suited to protective setting styles, for example a full bezel or partial bezel with secure back support, which increases longevity for daily wear pieces. The dimensions and depth of this specimen make it suitable for pendant or ring use where the dome can be displayed without excessive exposure to knocks.

Ethical sourcing and traceability are core attributes for buyers seeking conscious acquisitions, and The Natural Gemstone Company emphasizes transparency at every step of the supply chain. This opal was sourced through direct procurement channels in Ethiopia, with documented relationships to artisanal mining communities, and where feasible independent sampling and trace documentation have been maintained to affirm origin and to confirm absence of treatment. Our sourcing protocols focus on fair compensation to miners, incremental support for local infrastructure where practicable, and minimizing environmental disturbance through selective extraction practices. For the conscious collector this specimen adds provenance value not only from its Ethiopian origin and natural, unenhanced status, but also from our ability to provide supporting information on how the material was obtained and processed. When incorporated into a curated collection that privileges low impact materials and transparent sourcing, this flame opal functions as both a technical specimen of opal microstructure and a thoughtful acquisition with traceable origins. Customers seeking additional documentation or to review our chain of custody materials are invited to contact The Natural Gemstone Company for further technical notes and photographic documentation.