Bright Lava Vein, Mexican Fire Opal • NO RESERVE PRICE • 9.85 ct - Height: 19 mm - Width: 11 mm- 1.99 g - (1)

02
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Current bid
€ 30
No reserve price
Georgia Foteinou
Expert
Selected by Georgia Foteinou

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

Estimate  € 140 - € 170
17 other people are watching this object
nlBidder 1672 €30
ptBidder 3155 €25

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Bright Lava Vein Mexican Fire Opal natural cabochon in volcanic matrix, 19 × 11 mm, 1.99 g, 9.85 ct, from Mexico.

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 follows:

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 IV - *FLAME RADIANCE*

Description:
From the volcanic terrains of Querétaro emerges this extraordinary Mexican Fire Opal, a specimen shaped by slow geological cooling that sealed within it an incandescent universe of saturated crimson and molten orange light. The stone reveals a continuous flame corridor running through the matrix, formed by tightly interlocked internal laminae that ignite with an intensity characteristic only of the highest radiance tier. The brightness is not superficial, it is structural, a deep optical architecture where each facet within the natural cavity amplifies the next, producing a liquid fire effect that remains stable no matter the angle of illumination.

Held under neutral directional light the stone shows the unmistakable Flame Radiance behaviour: dense chromatic saturation, no collapse of fire when tilted and a glassy transparency that allows the interior to function almost like a miniature furnace. When exposed to backlight illumination the specimen transforms entirely; the core becomes a glowing ember, revealing hidden layers of deep red and pale gold trapped beneath the lighter matrix. This backlit phenomenon adds a dramatic dimension rarely seen with such clarity, giving the piece both sculptural and gemological strength.

This opal embodies the highest optical potential of Mexican volcanic silica, an explosive fusion of vivid colour, geological character and exceptional internal response, making it a true centrepiece in any advanced mineral cabinet.

Specifications:
• Pattern: Natural volcanic flame chamber formation
• Colours present: Deep ember red molten orange golden internal glow
• Weight: 1.96 g
• Carat weight: 9.85 ct
• Dimensions: 19 × 11 mm
• Origin: Querétaro Mexico
• Material: Natural Mexican fire opal cabochon in volcanic matrix
• Radiance Level IV – Flame Radiance
• Colour play: Intensely saturated flame sheet illumination with strong transmitted light volcanic response
• Transparency: Translucent fire windows within matrix
• Lustre: Vitreous to resinous
• Treatment: None
• Form: Natural cabochon in matrix
• Number of pieces: 1

Notable Points:
• Strong Flame Radiance with intensely saturated red and orange tones
• Internal laminar structures creating a natural furnace effect
• Exceptional stability of fire from all viewing angles
• Beautiful interplay between matrix and transparent fire cavity
• Dramatic transformation when backlit revealing hidden chromatic layers
• Highly sculptural presence due to the matrix contrast
• Premium collector grade with top optical performance

Collector’s Interest:
A specimen that stands firmly among the upper tier of Mexican Fire Opals, uniting sculptural matrix textures with an exceptionally intense optical core. Its stability of flame radiance and the depth of its internal fire place it within the categories most actively pursued by advanced collectors, particularly those seeking pieces where both mineralogical context and gemological behaviour coexist with balance and rarity.

Lapidary Potential:
While its aesthetic value as a natural specimen is already outstanding, the gem hosts internal zones of exceptional clarity and saturated colour capable of producing a high brilliance cabochon or a museum display cut with strong light transmission. Its backlit behaviour offers high artistic potential for designers and lapidaries seeking statement pieces with dramatic fiery illumination.

—————

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 follows:

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 IV - *FLAME RADIANCE*

Description:
From the volcanic terrains of Querétaro emerges this extraordinary Mexican Fire Opal, a specimen shaped by slow geological cooling that sealed within it an incandescent universe of saturated crimson and molten orange light. The stone reveals a continuous flame corridor running through the matrix, formed by tightly interlocked internal laminae that ignite with an intensity characteristic only of the highest radiance tier. The brightness is not superficial, it is structural, a deep optical architecture where each facet within the natural cavity amplifies the next, producing a liquid fire effect that remains stable no matter the angle of illumination.

Held under neutral directional light the stone shows the unmistakable Flame Radiance behaviour: dense chromatic saturation, no collapse of fire when tilted and a glassy transparency that allows the interior to function almost like a miniature furnace. When exposed to backlight illumination the specimen transforms entirely; the core becomes a glowing ember, revealing hidden layers of deep red and pale gold trapped beneath the lighter matrix. This backlit phenomenon adds a dramatic dimension rarely seen with such clarity, giving the piece both sculptural and gemological strength.

This opal embodies the highest optical potential of Mexican volcanic silica, an explosive fusion of vivid colour, geological character and exceptional internal response, making it a true centrepiece in any advanced mineral cabinet.

Specifications:
• Pattern: Natural volcanic flame chamber formation
• Colours present: Deep ember red molten orange golden internal glow
• Weight: 1.96 g
• Carat weight: 9.85 ct
• Dimensions: 19 × 11 mm
• Origin: Querétaro Mexico
• Material: Natural Mexican fire opal cabochon in volcanic matrix
• Radiance Level IV – Flame Radiance
• Colour play: Intensely saturated flame sheet illumination with strong transmitted light volcanic response
• Transparency: Translucent fire windows within matrix
• Lustre: Vitreous to resinous
• Treatment: None
• Form: Natural cabochon in matrix
• Number of pieces: 1

Notable Points:
• Strong Flame Radiance with intensely saturated red and orange tones
• Internal laminar structures creating a natural furnace effect
• Exceptional stability of fire from all viewing angles
• Beautiful interplay between matrix and transparent fire cavity
• Dramatic transformation when backlit revealing hidden chromatic layers
• Highly sculptural presence due to the matrix contrast
• Premium collector grade with top optical performance

Collector’s Interest:
A specimen that stands firmly among the upper tier of Mexican Fire Opals, uniting sculptural matrix textures with an exceptionally intense optical core. Its stability of flame radiance and the depth of its internal fire place it within the categories most actively pursued by advanced collectors, particularly those seeking pieces where both mineralogical context and gemological behaviour coexist with balance and rarity.

Lapidary Potential:
While its aesthetic value as a natural specimen is already outstanding, the gem hosts internal zones of exceptional clarity and saturated colour capable of producing a high brilliance cabochon or a museum display cut with strong light transmission. Its backlit behaviour offers high artistic potential for designers and lapidaries seeking statement pieces with dramatic fiery illumination.

—————

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
Bright Lava Vein, Mexican Fire Opal •
Mineral Form
NO RESERVE PRICE • 9.85 ct
Weight
1.99 g
Origin (Region/ City)
Jalisco
Country of Origin
Mexico
Height
19 mm
Width
11 mm
PortugalVerified
15
Objects sold
Private

Disclaimer

It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. However, using or wearing gemstones or minerals does not mean that you can treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care professional for information on health care issues and do not stop any medications or courses of treatment, without first consulting your health care professional. The use of gemstones or minerals as a wellness therapy is one of personal choice. While stones or crystals have been used historically to relieve or prevent symptoms, the objects sold on our website offer no guarantee of results. Therefore, Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for the effectiveness of these objects sold herein.

It is believed that certain gemstones and minerals have beneficial health and spiritual properties. However, using or wearing gemstones or minerals does not mean that you can treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your health care professional for information on health care issues and do not stop any medications or courses of treatment, without first consulting your health care professional. The use of gemstones or minerals as a wellness therapy is one of personal choice. While stones or crystals have been used historically to relieve or prevent symptoms, the objects sold on our website offer no guarantee of results. Therefore, Catawiki cannot guarantee or be held liable for the effectiveness of these objects sold herein.

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