Mexico’s national gem is the fire opal, a translucent stone in blazing orange, red and yellow, born in the gas cavities of the rhyolite lavas of the central highlands. The classic ground is around Magdalena in Jalisco and Querétaro, where fee-dig and small mines still work the volcanic rock. Unlike common opal it is often faceted like a gemstone. Buy from the Querétaro and Magdalena dealers, or dig at an organized mine; the stone is unmistakable once you have seen it glow.
Fire opal (national gem)
See it on the map
Other places on the map within a couple of hours.
