Explosive Multicolour Flash Radiance Mexican Fire Opal • NO RESERVE PRICE • HUGE 15.45 carats - Height: 17 mm - Width: 14 mm- 3.09 g - (1)

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Georgia Foteinou
Expert
Selected by Georgia Foteinou

Holds BSc in geology and post-graduate qualifications in geochemistry.

Estimate  € 150 - € 200
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nlBidder 5983 €1

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Explosive Multicolour Flash Radiance Mexican Fire Opal, natural cabochon in volcanic matrix from Querétaro, Mexico, weighing 3.09 g (15.45 ct) and measuring 17 × 14 × 9 mm.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

*Radiance Level Disclaimer*

At GeoPulse Minerals, we use our own internal classification system to evaluate the light performance of Mexican Fire Opals.
This system is based exclusively on the intensity, stability and chromatic strength of the fire, play of colour, displayed by each specimen, as fallows:

Radiance Level I - Soft Glow
Gentle internal light with delicate colour movement.

Radiance Level II - Bright Glow
Noticeable radiance with stable brightness and defined flashes.

Radiance Level III - Intense Radiance
Strong, vivid fire with powerful colour response from multiple angles.

Radiance Level IV - Flame Radiance
Top tier. Maximum intensity, highly saturated flame-like play of colour and exceptional optical behaviour.

This scale allows collectors to immediately understand the visual strength and rarity category of each opal we present.

——————

Radiance Level III - *INTENSE RADIANCE*

Description:
From the volcanic terrains of Querétaro in central Mexico, where ancient rhyolitic flows hardened into soft porous nodules rich in iron oxides, this polished opalised sphere reveals a window of remarkable fire at its core. Its warm, earth toned matrix carries the geological memory of volcanic heat and mineral laden fluids that once permeated every cavity, creating pockets where silica slowly formed into opal. Within this natural opening, the play of colour emerges vividly, displaying an intense radiance where flashes of red, green, blue, yellow and orange shift with every subtle change of light.

This opal holds the unmistakable signature of Mexican matrix formation: a vibrant heart of fire protected by a softly textured host rock, creating a contrast between matte mineral surfaces and the polished internal glow. The irregular broad flash pattern gives the piece a fluid, organic movement, allowing the fire to ignite suddenly and disappear just as quickly, a behaviour characteristic of the finest volcanic opal nodules. It is a gemstone that feels alive, holding within it both the warmth of the desert and the volcanic origins that shaped its interior flame.

Specifications:

• Pattern: Irregular broad-flash patch pattern
• Colours present: Red, green, blue, yellow, orange
• Weight: 3.09 g
• Carat weight: 15.45 ct
• Dimensions: 17 × 14 × 9 mm
• Origin: Querétaro, Mexico
• Material: Natural fire opal cabochon in volcanic matrix
• Radiance Level III – Intense Radiance
• Colour play: Multicolour flashes concentrated in a natural internal cavity
• Transparency: Opaque volcanic matrix with luminous internal fire
• Treatment: None
• Form: Natural cabochon in matrix

Notable Points:

• Intense internal fire with vivid multicolour flashes
• Distinct volcanic matrix characteristic of Mexican opal nodules
• Irregular broad flash pattern giving dynamic colour movement
• High aesthetic contrast between matrix and opal window
• Strong red and green fire, rare in matrix opal
• Naturally polished nodule offering a complete mineral form
• Stable volcanic formation with resistant structure
• Collector grade visual impact for its size
• Volcanic origin adding contextual rarity
• No treatment or artificial enhancement

Collector Interest:
Collectors of volcanic opals will immediately recognise the rarity of a Mexican matrix specimen with such strong internal fire. The intensity of the colour response and the distinct broad flash behaviour elevate this piece well above typical nodules. Its spherical polished form and the clear, vibrant fire window make it especially desirable for curated displays focused on volcanic mineralisation or on the diversity of opal formation across the world.

Lapidary Potential:
Although exceptional as a collector’s object, the piece also offers lapidary possibilities. A cutter could choose to refine the existing polish, carve around the fire window to enhance its visibility, or create a pendant style cabochon that preserves both the matrix texture and the vibrant internal colours. The stability of the Mexican matrix allows for controlled shaping without compromising the fire pocket.

——————

Photography and transparency:
All photos were taken under controlled light conditions, carefully selected to reproduce the most accurate natural colour of each specimen. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation were applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, which replicates neutral daylight and reveals the true tones and clarity of the mineral. Under weaker or more yellow indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal and expected. The purpose of this setup is to present each specimen exactly as it appears in balanced natural daylight, allowing buyers to appreciate its authentic colour and lustre without distortion.

Identification and ethics:
All specimens offered are guaranteed natural and as described. Their origin and mineral identification are provided with the most accurate and reliable information available. Every effort is made to ensure that each piece is presented with full transparency, avoiding any misleading details regarding its nature, treatment, or provenance.

Shipping and handling:
Orders are carefully prepared, with each stone individually protected and placed in a secure rigid box to ensure safe delivery. Shipments are made within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation, always with a tracking number provided to the buyer. Each order is handled with professional care from selection to dispatch, ensuring a smooth and trustworthy process.

Customs and import taxes:
Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities.

Guarantee and resolution:
Customer satisfaction is a priority. In the event of any issue, such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us immediately through Catawiki’s messaging system. We will always find a fair and suitable solution, including refund, replacement, or other commercial arrangements whenever justified.

Appreciation and commitment:
We sincerely thank you for your trust and preference. Our goal is to continuously bring you some of the most beautiful, unique, and exceptional mineral specimens from around the world. Each piece is carefully selected for its quality and character, ensuring that every purchase meets the highest standards. Your satisfaction and confidence are our top priorities, and we will always strive to exceed your expectations with every order.

With gratitude,
GemPulse Minerals

*Radiance Level Disclaimer*

At GeoPulse Minerals, we use our own internal classification system to evaluate the light performance of Mexican Fire Opals.
This system is based exclusively on the intensity, stability and chromatic strength of the fire, play of colour, displayed by each specimen, as fallows:

Radiance Level I - Soft Glow
Gentle internal light with delicate colour movement.

Radiance Level II - Bright Glow
Noticeable radiance with stable brightness and defined flashes.

Radiance Level III - Intense Radiance
Strong, vivid fire with powerful colour response from multiple angles.

Radiance Level IV - Flame Radiance
Top tier. Maximum intensity, highly saturated flame-like play of colour and exceptional optical behaviour.

This scale allows collectors to immediately understand the visual strength and rarity category of each opal we present.

——————

Radiance Level III - *INTENSE RADIANCE*

Description:
From the volcanic terrains of Querétaro in central Mexico, where ancient rhyolitic flows hardened into soft porous nodules rich in iron oxides, this polished opalised sphere reveals a window of remarkable fire at its core. Its warm, earth toned matrix carries the geological memory of volcanic heat and mineral laden fluids that once permeated every cavity, creating pockets where silica slowly formed into opal. Within this natural opening, the play of colour emerges vividly, displaying an intense radiance where flashes of red, green, blue, yellow and orange shift with every subtle change of light.

This opal holds the unmistakable signature of Mexican matrix formation: a vibrant heart of fire protected by a softly textured host rock, creating a contrast between matte mineral surfaces and the polished internal glow. The irregular broad flash pattern gives the piece a fluid, organic movement, allowing the fire to ignite suddenly and disappear just as quickly, a behaviour characteristic of the finest volcanic opal nodules. It is a gemstone that feels alive, holding within it both the warmth of the desert and the volcanic origins that shaped its interior flame.

Specifications:

• Pattern: Irregular broad-flash patch pattern
• Colours present: Red, green, blue, yellow, orange
• Weight: 3.09 g
• Carat weight: 15.45 ct
• Dimensions: 17 × 14 × 9 mm
• Origin: Querétaro, Mexico
• Material: Natural fire opal cabochon in volcanic matrix
• Radiance Level III – Intense Radiance
• Colour play: Multicolour flashes concentrated in a natural internal cavity
• Transparency: Opaque volcanic matrix with luminous internal fire
• Treatment: None
• Form: Natural cabochon in matrix

Notable Points:

• Intense internal fire with vivid multicolour flashes
• Distinct volcanic matrix characteristic of Mexican opal nodules
• Irregular broad flash pattern giving dynamic colour movement
• High aesthetic contrast between matrix and opal window
• Strong red and green fire, rare in matrix opal
• Naturally polished nodule offering a complete mineral form
• Stable volcanic formation with resistant structure
• Collector grade visual impact for its size
• Volcanic origin adding contextual rarity
• No treatment or artificial enhancement

Collector Interest:
Collectors of volcanic opals will immediately recognise the rarity of a Mexican matrix specimen with such strong internal fire. The intensity of the colour response and the distinct broad flash behaviour elevate this piece well above typical nodules. Its spherical polished form and the clear, vibrant fire window make it especially desirable for curated displays focused on volcanic mineralisation or on the diversity of opal formation across the world.

Lapidary Potential:
Although exceptional as a collector’s object, the piece also offers lapidary possibilities. A cutter could choose to refine the existing polish, carve around the fire window to enhance its visibility, or create a pendant style cabochon that preserves both the matrix texture and the vibrant internal colours. The stability of the Mexican matrix allows for controlled shaping without compromising the fire pocket.

——————

Photography and transparency:
All photos were taken under controlled light conditions, carefully selected to reproduce the most accurate natural colour of each specimen. No filters, colour enhancement, or artificial saturation were applied. The lighting setup uses a calibrated 5500K light source, which replicates neutral daylight and reveals the true tones and clarity of the mineral. Under weaker or more yellow indoor lighting, colours may appear slightly different, which is normal and expected. The purpose of this setup is to present each specimen exactly as it appears in balanced natural daylight, allowing buyers to appreciate its authentic colour and lustre without distortion.

Identification and ethics:
All specimens offered are guaranteed natural and as described. Their origin and mineral identification are provided with the most accurate and reliable information available. Every effort is made to ensure that each piece is presented with full transparency, avoiding any misleading details regarding its nature, treatment, or provenance.

Shipping and handling:
Orders are carefully prepared, with each stone individually protected and placed in a secure rigid box to ensure safe delivery. Shipments are made within 1 to 3 business days after payment confirmation, always with a tracking number provided to the buyer. Each order is handled with professional care from selection to dispatch, ensuring a smooth and trustworthy process.

Customs and import taxes:
Any customs duties, import fees, or local taxes applied by the destination country are entirely the responsibility of the winning bidder. These charges are not included in the auction price or shipping cost and are determined by the buyer’s local authorities.

Guarantee and resolution:
Customer satisfaction is a priority. In the event of any issue, such as loss, damage, or discrepancy, please contact us immediately through Catawiki’s messaging system. We will always find a fair and suitable solution, including refund, replacement, or other commercial arrangements whenever justified.

Appreciation and commitment:
We sincerely thank you for your trust and preference. Our goal is to continuously bring you some of the most beautiful, unique, and exceptional mineral specimens from around the world. Each piece is carefully selected for its quality and character, ensuring that every purchase meets the highest standards. Your satisfaction and confidence are our top priorities, and we will always strive to exceed your expectations with every order.

With gratitude,
GemPulse Minerals

Details

Number of items
1
Main Mineral
Explosive Multicolour Flash Radiance
Mineral Form
Mexican Fire Opal • NO RESERVE PRICE • HUGE 15.45 carats
Weight
3.09 g
Origin (Region/ City)
Querétaro
Country of Origin
Mexico
Height
17 mm
Width
14 mm
Depth
9 mm
PortugalVerified
15
Objects sold
Private

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