gemstone

Blue opalite glass cabochon (likely imitation opal)

Man-made opalescent glass; not a natural mineral

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Smooth, rounded, translucent pale-blue body with a milky glow and glassy luster. Glass has no mineral crystal structure or cleavage and is typically about 5–6 on the Mohs scale; appearance alone cannot confirm its composition.

Identified October 2, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Usually manufactured by melting silica with fluxes and opacifying agents, then forming and polishing it. It has no geological age or natural rock-formation process.

Uses & applications

Used in inexpensive jewelry, beads, and decorative pieces; it is not suitable as an indicator of natural opal deposits.

Geological facts

“Opalite” commonly refers to man-made glass, despite its gemstone-like name. Natural opal is hydrated silica (SiO₂·nH₂O) and may show characteristic shifting play-of-color.

Field identification & locations

The uniformly smooth, opaque-blue appearance suggests glass, but a photograph cannot establish material conclusively. Check for bubbles or curved flow lines; avoid scratch or acid tests on a valued piece.