Exceptional Fire Opal "Dragon Egg" - Mexico 22.60 carats...

This exceptional natural Mexican fire opal weighing 22.60 carats is a particularly impressive collection specimen, in which a large amount of opaline material remains embedded in its original matrix. Its spacious central cavity reveals several translucent masses in incandescent orange, deep red, amber, and honey tones, creating a true mineral landscape inside the stone. At 23 mm in length and over 22 carats, the specimen has a remarkable presence: the light-colored matrix forms a genuine envelope around an extraordinarily developed opaline core. This type of piece is highly sought after for its mineralogical character, because it allows the opal to be admired not isolated from its environment, but still intimately associated with the rock in which it formed. Characteristics - Stone: Natural Mexican fire opal - Type: Opal in matrix - Origin: Mexico - Weight: 22.60 carats - Dimensions: 23 × 17 × 8.8 mm - Colors: Red-orange, fire orange, amber and honey yellow - Transparency: Translucent to transparent zones - Matrix: Natural, cream to light beige - Morphology: Ovoid - Presentation: Significant concentration of opal preserved within its mother rock - Interest: Collection, gemology and mineralogy AImposing heart of fire opal This specimen immediately stands out for the spectacular amount of opal visible inside its matrix. The wide central opening reveals not a simple small colored vein, but several opaline volumes that seem to interlock with each other. Light passes through certain areas and reveals an astonishing sequence of depths: intense red on the most saturated parts, incandescent orange at the center, then honey yellow and amber in the brighter regions. The overall effect is almost like observing a miniature volcanic cavity filled with molten matter. The clear matrix acts here as a true natural setting. Its contrast with the warm colors of the opal significantly enhances their intensity and allows precise distinction of the different internal structures. 22.60 carats: a particularly imposing specimen With a total weight of 22.60 carats and dimensions reaching 23 × 17 × 8.8 mm, this piece sits in a visually impressively category. Its size especially allows appreciating an architecture rarely so spectacular on small specimens: several opal zones are visible simultaneously, separated by reliefs and fragments of matrix that give the piece genuine three-dimensional depth. From different angles, the specimen completely changes its appearance. Some parts become luminous and almost transparent while others retain an extremely deep red color. A symbolic provenance: Mexico Mexico is one of the most prestigious historical lands for fire opal. The volcanic environments of several regions of the country have produced opals famous for their characteristic warm colors, ranging from yellow to intense red. The history of these stones is ancient. Long before modern mining, pre-Columbian populations already knew the opals present on Mexican soil. They were valued for their colors naturally evoking fire, the sun, and luminous phenomena. Mining later experienced a new boom in the 19th century, from which Mexican opals began to gain much greater recognition on the international gem market. This long history explains why Mexico remains today inseparable from the very identity of fire opal. A formation linked to an ancient volcanic environment Mexican opal also has a fascinating geological history. In volcanic terrains, silica-rich solutions could flow through cracks, fractures, and cavities in the rock. Over time, the deposition of this silica allowed the formation of opaline material within these spaces. In this specimen, this relation between rock and opal remains exceptionally legible. The large central cavity literally allows observers to watch the opal still embedded in its mineral environment. The irregular boundaries between the cream matrix and the red-orange volumes materialize this growth and turn the piece into a true witness of its geological history. A true miniature mineral scene One of the most remarkable qualities of this piece is its depth. Inside the opening, the different masses of opal create volumes, overlaps, and variations in transparency that give the specimen an almost architectural appearance. The eye moves from a translucent red mass to a bright orange zone, then to amber regions partially hidden behind the matrix. This visual complexity makes each orientation different and lends the piece a particularly lively character. A major collectible specimen The combination here is particularly impressive: 22.60 carats, 23 mm in length, a largely preserved natural matrix, and especially a considerable amount of red and orange fire opal directly visible in a vast central cavity. Beyond its color, it is precisely this conservation of the relationship between the gemstone and its mother rock that gives the piece its entire character. An imposing Mexican fire opal in matrix of 22.60 carats, spectacular for its dimensions, the richness of its opaline core, and its deep red-orange tones — a true window into the natural formation of one of Mexico’s most iconic gemstones. General Terms of Sale – MineralsOpals: At MineralsOpals, your satisfaction is a top priority. All orders are processed with the utmost care, from stone selection to final shipment. - Shipping & timelines: Dispatch within 1 to 3 working days maximum, usually the day after the order. Shipping Monday to Friday (excluding weekends and holidays). Each package is sent via La Poste with a tracking number provided. Careful packaging: each stone is individually protected, then placed in a secure rigid carton. - Warranty & customer service: 100% of shipments are guaranteed: if there is a problem, we always find a solution. You buy with complete confidence: full refund, replacement, or a goodwill gesture in case of loss or proven issue. If you have a question, doubt, or specific request, you can contact me at any time, I will respond gladly as soon as possible. Trust & commitment Each stone is photographed with care to reflect its natural beauty. You benefit from personalized tracking. My goal: to offer you a reliable, humane, and transparent shopping experience. Thank you for your support. Do not hesitate to check our reserve auctions to discover other exceptional products and follow us to stay informed about our new offers.

Estimate:£16.95

View all items fromCatawikiorEthnographical