mineraloid (synthetic)
Opalite (Synthetic Moonstone/Opal)
Synthetic Silica Glass
Hardness: 5-6 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with a blue or orange inner glow; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
- Hardness
- 5-6 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to translucent with a blue or orange inner glow
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with a blue or orange inner glow; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Opalite is a man-made variety of glass produced by melting silica and other components. It is not a natural geological specimen and does not have a geological age, as it is manufactured in industrial glass facilities.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in the costume jewelry industry for beads and cabochons, as well as in wholesale 'healing crystal' markets and metaphysical shops.
Geological facts
While it shares a name with natural 'common opal' (which can also be called opalite), the commercial specimen shown is almost always synthetic glass. It exhibits the Tyndall effect, where light scattering creates a distinct blue sheen.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by checking for air bubbles (visible with a loupe), a very uniform texture, and a lack of natural inclusions. It is frequently marketed as 'Sea Opal' or 'Moonstone' to unsuspecting buyers.
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