Mineral Simulant (Synthetic Glass)
Opalite (a synthetic glass)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with various additives; not a true mineral but a man-made gem simulant
Hardness: 5-6.5 (Mohs); Color: Milky to clear with an opalescent or ethereal blue glow, often exhibiting an orange or yellow flash when viewed from certain angles or against a dark background; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (fractures conchoidally);…
- Hardness
- 5-6
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6.5 (Mohs); Color: Milky to clear with an opalescent or ethereal blue glow, often exhibiting an orange or yellow flash when viewed from certain angles or against a dark background; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: None (fractures conchoidally); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Opalite is a man-made glass, not a natural mineral. It is created by heating glass material and adding certain substances to achieve its characteristic opalescent effect. It does not have a geological age in the traditional sense, as it is manufactured.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in jewelry (beads, pendants, cabochons), ornamental objects, and decorative items due to its attractive visual properties and affordability compared to natural opal.
Geological facts
Also known as 'Sea Opal' or 'Tiffany Stone' (though Tiffany Stone is a natural mineral of fluorite). It's distinct from natural opal (which is hydrated amorphous silica) by its often more uniform appearance and lack of true 'play-of-color' often seen in precious opal. Its blue glow is typically due to scattering light effects rather than diffraction.
Field identification & locations
Due to its synthetic nature, Opalite is not found in the field. It is identified by its smooth, uniform, often milky clarity, distinct blue or orange glow, and lack of inclusions typical of natural stones. It can be distinguished from natural opal by its sometimes 'too perfect' appearance and characteristic uniform glow rather than the internal fire or 'play-of-color' of natural opal. It's often tumbled smooth like the one pictured.
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