mineraloid (man-made)
Opalite
Synthetic Opalized Glass (SiO2 + additives)
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: Milky white to blue with orange/yellow luminescence. Luster: Vitreous/Glassy. Structure: Amorphous (no crystal system). Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture. SG: ~2.4-2.5.
- Hardness
- 5-6 Mohs
- Color
- Milky white to blue with orange/yellow luminescence
- Luster
- Vitreous/Glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: Milky white to blue with orange/yellow luminescence. Luster: Vitreous/Glassy. Structure: Amorphous (no crystal system). Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture. SG: ~2.4-2.5.
Formation & geological history
Opalite is a man-made variety of glass. It is produced by melting silica and other minerals, then cooling it slowly to create the characteristic opalescent glow. Unlike natural opal, it has no geological age or natural formation environment.
Uses & applications
Used primarily for costume jewelry, healing crystals, garden decor, and as a pocket stone. It is valued for its aesthetic 'glow' rather than rarity.
Geological facts
Although the name 'Opalite' was originally used for various types of natural common opal, in the modern market, it almost exclusively refers to this man-made glass product. It displays a 'Tyndall effect' which causes its blue glow.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the presence of small air bubbles (visible under magnification) and a warm amber color when held up to a light source. It is consistently smooth and lacks the internal 'fire' (flashes) of genuine opal.
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