Ópalo
Ópalo is a mineral with formula SiO₂·nH₂O, in the Mineraloides (Óxidos) group. This specimen comes from Mina La Carbonera, La Trinidad, Tequisquiapan, Querétaro, México and joined the Terrium collection in 2018.
Description
Fire opal with intense play of colour (green, red, orange) embedded in reddish volcanic matrix. Glassy zones visible on the surface. Good contrast and natural lustre.
History of this specimen
From the collection of Juan Carlos Viñolo (Juanca). I value fire opal from this area for its colour in the rough and its good stability.
About Ópalo
Fire opal is a variety of opal characterised by variable transparency and internal flashes in tones of green, red and orange. Its amorphous structure sets it apart from other silicates, and variable hydration influences the intensity of the colour.
About the locality
La Carbonera Mine, Querétaro, is a classic fire opal locality. Recognised for the quality and stability of its specimens, it is one of the most valued sources in Mexico for matrix specimens.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0128
- Composition
- SiO₂·nH₂O
- Name
- Ópalo
- Group
- Mineraloides (Óxidos)
- Category
- Cavella
- Matrix
- Matriz volcánica
- Mine
- Mina La Carbonera
- District / Municipality
- La Trinidad
- Province
- Tequisquiapan
- Region
- Querétaro
- Country
- México
- Size (cm)
- 3.4 x 3 x 2.3
- Weight
- 18 g
- Acquired
- 2018
- Ex-collection
- Juan Carlos Viñolo
- Etymology
- From the Latin "opalus", taken from the Greek "opallios", meaning "to see a change of colour".
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable