mineral

Opalite

Synthetic Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 5-5.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white with iridescent blue and orange shimmers; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: ~2.1

Hardness: 5-5
Color: Milky white with iridescent blue and orange shimmers
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified June 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Opalite is a man-made variety of glass created by fusing glass and metals like magnesium to create an opalescent effect. While it mimics natural opal, it is a synthetic product of modern industrial manufacturing rather than a geological process.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in jewelry, beads, and decorative carvings. It is also highly popular in the metaphysical and holistic healing communities for its aesthetic and perceived energetic properties.

Geological facts

Opalite is often mistaken for natural sea glass or moonstone. Unlike natural opal, it does not contain the same water-trapped structure, though it exhibits a similar 'opalescence' under direct light.

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for uniform color and internal clarity, which natural stones rarely possess. It often shows a distinct blue glow in low light and turns amber-orange when light passes through from behind. Commonly found in craft stores and online retailers.