Mineraloid (Man-made Glass)
Opalite
Synthetically produced glass (Silicon Dioxide with metallic inclusions)
Hardness: 5-5.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Translucent to milky blue, often displaying a warm orange-pink glow when light passes through it. Luster: Vitreous/Glassy. Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline).
- Hardness
- 5-5
- Luster
- Vitreous/Glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-5.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Translucent to milky blue, often displaying a warm orange-pink glow when light passes through it. Luster: Vitreous/Glassy. Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline).
Formation & geological history
Opalite is a man-made variety of glass that is mass-produced in factories. It is created by melting silica with metal oxides to produce its characteristic opalescence, mimicking natural phenomena like the Tyndall effect found in natural opals.
Uses & applications
Primarily used for decorative purposes, jewelry (pendants, rings, beads), crystal healing sets, and mass-market pocket stones. It is popular in the 'new age' market due to its aesthetics.
Geological facts
Despite its name, opalite is not a natural mineral or a true opal; it is a trade name for synthetic glass. It is sometimes called 'Sea Opal' or 'Moonstone' by retailers, though it is unrelated to true moonstone.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by looking for tiny air bubbles (common in glass) and a very uniform, 'swirly' interior texture. It will often glow orange when held up against a direct light source. It is never found in nature in this form.
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