2.83 Ct. Cabochon Fire Opal from Mexico

As a representative of The Natural Gemstone Company, I am pleased to present this exceptional Mexican fire opal, a bi color cabochon weighing 2.83 carat, with dimensions 11.01 x 9.01 x 5.12 mm. This stone is semi transparent, exhibiting intense color intensity and an excellent polish, and it has undergone no enhancement. In gemological terms, fire opal from Mexico is prized for its vivid body tone and warm color range, and this example shows a saturated orange body with distinct flashes of yellow play of color that produce the bi color appearance. The cabochon cut is the traditional and most effective shape for natural opal, allowing light to interact with the internal silica spheres to reveal the stone characteristic play of color. For an educated purchaser, the combination of semi transparency, intense body color, cabochon shaping, and absence of enhancement makes this specimen a clear candidate for long term value retention and visual impact in finished jewelry.

Clarity and internal features deserve careful explanation, because opal clarity grading differs from that used for faceted stones. This fire opal is described as semi transparent, indicating that light passes through the material enough to allow depth and internal flashes to be seen, while still preserving a warm body color that reads well in settings. Internal features in opal can include natural potch, tiny fissures, or healed growth patterns, and each of these affects light scattering and play of color. The images and hand inspection of this stone reveal a clean appearance with minimal disruptive inclusions, and the play of color is consistent across the dome of the cabochon. Since there are no enhancements, the clarity and color are fully natural, which is particularly important to collectors and connoisseurs who prioritize untreated material. Natural Mexican fire opal that maintains both strong body tone and visible internal play of color without treatment is less common than treated material, and that rarity adds to its appeal.

Origin matters for both aesthetics and market perception. Mexican fire opal, as found in the regions of Guerrero and surrounding districts, typically forms with vibrant orange to red body colors, and this specimen aligns with that regional character. The geological conditions that create fire opal in Mexico favor the preservation of saturated body color combined with transparency, which allows for the unique bi color effect when play of color is present. Buyers who are familiar with geographic origin will recognize that name value carries weight in grading and valuation, because provenance influences both demand and comparative pricing. The combination of a classic oval shape and a substantial size for opal at 2.83 carat, with the specific dimensions of 11.01 x 9.01 x 5.12 mm, makes this stone suitable for a variety of settings, including solitaire rings where the cabochon dome can be showcased, pendants that benefit from light transmission, or bespoke designs where color interaction is a focal point.

Practical considerations address why this fire opal is a sound purchase for an informed buyer. The cabochon cut with an excellent polish ensures maximum visual performance and comfortable wear, while the lack of enhancement signals authenticity and reduces the risk associated with treated material that can degrade over time. From a maintenance perspective, fire opal is not as hard as corundum or diamond, so setting choice and protective design should be considered to minimize abrasion and impact, especially for everyday rings. However, the robust color and transparency of this specimen enhance its optical presence, increasing perceived size and brilliance when set under a bezel or in a secure prong design. At The Natural Gemstone Company, we prioritize accurate disclosure and high quality presentation, and this Mexican fire opal represents a fine example of natural, untreated material that appeals to collectors, designers, and connoisseurs seeking a lively, well proportioned opal with verifiable origin, precise dimensions, and exceptional polish. If you would like further information on grading reports, matching stones for a pair, or recommendations for setting designs that will maximize the beauty and longevity of this cabochon, I am ready to assist.