
mineral
Opalite
Synthetic Opalised Glass
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: Milky white with a bluish tint (opalescence), transitions to amber/orange when light passes through. Luster: Vitreous/Glassy. Structure: Amorphous (Non-crystalline).
- Hardness
- 5-6 Mohs
- Luster
- Vitreous/Glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 Mohs. Color: Milky white with a bluish tint (opalescence), transitions to amber/orange when light passes through. Luster: Vitreous/Glassy. Structure: Amorphous (Non-crystalline).
Formation & geological history
Opalite is a man-made variety of glass. While the name 'opalite' was historically used for impure natural common opal, the stone in the image is the modern commercial synthetic glass version produced in factories to simulate opalescence.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in decorative jewelry, beads, healing crystals, meditation stones, and metaphysical markets due to its aesthetic glow.
Geological facts
Although sold alongside crystals, opalite is not a mineral found in nature; it is a trade name for a specific type of iridescent glass. It is often confused with Moonstone or Opal by beginners.
Field identification & locations
Identify by a lack of natural inclusions, a very uniform appearance, and the presence of tiny internal air bubbles when viewed under magnification. It is found in metaphysical shops worldwide rather than in the field.
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