Synthetic/Man-made Glass
Opalite (Synthetic Moonstone/Sea Opal)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) glass with metallic inclusions
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: Translucent to milky blue with a peach/orange inner glow (opalescence). Luster: Glassy/Vitreous. Crystal structure: Amorphous. Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture.
- Hardness
- 5-6 Mohs
- Luster
- Glassy/Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: Translucent to milky blue with a peach/orange inner glow (opalescence). Luster: Glassy/Vitreous. Crystal structure: Amorphous. Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Opalite is a man-made variety of glass. It is created by melting silica and adding metallic elements (typically copper or gold) or dolomite under controlled volcanic temperatures to allow the material to become pearlescent or opalescent.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for decorative purposes, jewelry (pendants, rings, beads), spiritual/metaphysical healing practices, and as a lower-cost alternative to natural moonstone or opal.
Geological facts
Despite its name, opalite is not a natural mineral; it is actually a glass. It is often described as 'synthetic opal' or 'sea opal' in marketing, but unlike true synthetic opal (like Gilson opal), it lacks a crystalline structure and 'fire' patterns.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its uniform translucency and the 'Tyndall effect'—it appears blue against light backgrounds but takes on a warm orange or honey-colored glow when light shines through it. It is smooth to the touch and lacks the natural imperfections or internal inclusions found in genuine moonstone.
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