mineral (synthetic)

Opalite

Man-made opalescent glass (SiO2 + metal oxides)

Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs); Color: Translucent white to milky blue with 'orange' glow through light; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture; SG: ~2.5

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous

Identified April 10, 2026More mineral (synthetic) →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs); Color: Translucent white to milky blue with 'orange' glow through light; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture; SG: ~2.5

Formation & geological history

Opalite is a synthetic, man-made variety of glass. Unlike natural opal, which forms in sedimentary rocks over millions of years, opalite is manufactured in industrial glass furnaces by fusing silica with metals like copper or gold to create the opalescent shimmer.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for decorative purposes, costume jewelry, holistic healing crystals, and carved figurines (like the one pictured). It is popular for its visual appeal and low cost compared to natural precious opal.

Geological facts

Opalite is often mislabeled as 'Sea Opal' or 'Moonstone' by retailers. While it mimics the play of color in natural opal, it is actually a glass. It displays the Tyndall effect, where light scattering makes it appear blue against dark backgrounds and orange when light passes through it.

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for small air bubbles (typical of glass) and a uniform, milky appearance without the irregular 'fire' patches seen in natural opal. It is commonly found in gift shops and crystal boutiques.

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