mineraloid (synthetic)

Opalite

Synthetic Opalised Glass

Hardness: 5-6 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white with a bluish tint, displaying 'opalescence' or the Tyndall effect; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline glass); Specific gravity: 2.3 - 2.5

Hardness: 5-6 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified March 25, 2026More mineraloid (synthetic) →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Opalite is a man-made variety of glass. It is created by melting silica together with various metallic elements to create a pearlescent effect. While some refer to Girasol Quartz as 'Natural Opalite', the specimen shown is the translucent manufactured version popularized in the late 20th century.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in decorative jewelry (cabochons, beads, carvings like the crescent moon shown), ornamental sculptures, and metaphysical 'healing' stone collections.

Geological facts

Despite its name, it contains no actual opal. It is famous for its 'glow'—it appears blue against a dark background but shines with a warm peach color when light is passed directly through it.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its uniform translucency and the absence of natural inclusions or flaws typical of earth-mined stones. It will often contain tiny air bubbles under magnification, which is a hallmark of manufactured glass. Commonly found in retail crystal shops and bead stores.