About Oregon Fire Opal

About midway between Lakeview and Klamath Falls, Oregon, in the "High Oregon Desert", nestled between juniper trees and sagebrush is an Opal mine with gems as beautiful as Fire Opal from anywhere in the world.  The Juniper Ridge Opal Mine.

Fire Opal was born in fire, in the ancient volcanoes of Oregon in the USA.  Fire opal forms when water seeps into silica-rich lava, filling seams and hollows.  Under heat and pressure, the silica forms a solid gel, trapping the remaining water within its structure.  Seams of fire opal are found within the remains of these ancient flows.

Fire opal, like all opal, has a high water content.  As a result, it should be protected from heat and prolonged exposure to strong light, which could dry it out.  All of our Juniper Ridge Fire Opal is held for two to three years before cutting, thus insuring its stability.

All opal is relatively soft and should be in a protective mounting if set into a ring.  Clean with a very mild dish soap; use a soft toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.

Exotic Gemstones has cut the opal in many ways....from faceted gems to various styles of beads.  Best of all, the opal is all Natural, All American  and Gorgeous!