mineraloid (synthetic)
Opalite
Synthetic Glass, SiO2 base with metallic inclusions
Hardness: 5.5 to 6 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent to milky white with a blue/gold opalescent glow; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: ~2.5
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Translucent to milky white with a blue/gold opalescent glow
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
Identified More mineraloid (synthetic) →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5 to 6 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent to milky white with a blue/gold opalescent glow; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: ~2.5
Formation & geological history
Opalite is a man-made variety of glass. It is created by melting silica (sand) and adding metallic compounds like copper, gold, or manganese which, through a cooling process, create the characteristic 'opalescence' via the Tyndall effect. It does not occur naturally in the wild.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in decorative jewelry, cabochons, beads, and metaphysical 'healing' stones. Because of its synthetic nature and durability relative to natural opal, it is popular for mass-market accessories.
Geological facts
Many people mistake Opalite for Moonstone or Natural Opal. A key difference is that Opalite is glass and often contains tiny air bubbles from the manufacturing process, which natural minerals almost never have. It is also known as 'Sea Opal' or 'Tiffany Stone' in some commercial contexts.
Field identification & locations
In the field, it is identified by its unnatural uniformity and the way it turns a warm honey/orange color when held against a direct light source (refraction). It is not found in nature; it is found in gem shops and jewelry stores globally. Collectors should look for air bubbles to confirm its synthetic glass nature.
More like this
Other mineraloid (synthetic) specimens
Opalite (Synthetic Moonstone/Opal)
Synthetic Silica Glass
mineraloid (synthetic)
Opalite
Synthetic Opalised Glass
mineraloid (synthetic)
Opalite
Synthetic Fluorescent Glass (SiO2 + impurities)
mineraloid (synthetic)
Man-made Glass (Tumbled/Shaped)
Amorphous Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with metal oxide colorants
Mineraloid (synthetic)
Opalite
Man-made Glass (SiO2 + additives)
mineraloid (synthetic)
Synthetic Convention Badge (Plastic/PVC)
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) / Polycarbonate
mineraloid (synthetic)