mineral

Fluorescent glassy mineral specimen, possibly hyalite opal

Hyalite (hydrated amorphous silica, SiO₂·nH₂O), tentative

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Transparent to translucent, colorless, vitreous surface, and apparently amorphous rather than crystalline; hardness about 5.5–6.5 Mohs. Strong blue illumination obscures its normal appearance; hyalite commonly fluoresces vivid green under shortwave UV, whereas ordinary glass may not.

Identified September 5, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Fluorescent glassy mineral specimen, possibly hyalite opal
Scientific name: Hyalite (hydrated amorphous silica, SiO₂·nH₂O), tentative
Category: mineral
Identified: September 5, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$50 for a small common hyalite specimen; $50–$300+ for attractive strongly fluorescent pieces. If manufactured glass, typically under $5.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Hyalite forms as a hydrated silica variety in volcanic cavities and low-temperature veins, commonly associated with rhyolitic rocks; deposits are generally geologically young to Phanerozoic. The pictured rounded, irregular piece could also be shaped or tumbled glass, so identification is uncertain from the image alone.

Uses & applications

Hyalite is mainly a collector specimen and occasional ornamental material; it has little industrial use. If glass, it is a manufactured material rather than a geological specimen.

Geological facts

The image shows a transparent, rounded object under intense blue/UV lighting, with apparent internal flow-like or conchoidal features. A UV fluorescence color, daylight appearance, and scratch or refractive-index tests are needed for confirmation.

Field identification & locations

Check for green fluorescence under shortwave UV, lack of bubbles, natural cavity textures, and hardness greater than ordinary window glass; bubbles and flow lines favor glass. Common hyalite localities include Mexico, Hungary, Italy, and the United States.