mineraloid (synthetic)
Opalite
Synthetic Fluorescent Glass (SiO2 + impurities)
Hardness: 5.5-6.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent to milky blue with 'inner' yellowish/peach glow; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.1-2.5
- Hardness
- 5
- Color
- Translucent to milky blue with 'inner' yellowish/peach glow
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5-6.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent to milky blue with 'inner' yellowish/peach glow; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.1-2.5
Formation & geological history
Opalite is a man-made variety of glass. It is created by melting silica in a furnace and adding metal oxides (such as copper or manganese) to create the characteristic opalescence via the Tyndall effect. It does not have a geological age as it is industrially manufactured.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in the gemstone and jewelry industry for beads, cabochons, and decorative carvings. It is popular in holistic and 'metaphysical' circles as a healing stone.
Geological facts
Despite the name, Opalite is not a true opal. While there is a rare natural 'Opalite' (green common opal from Africa), 99% of blue specimens like the one pictured are synthetic glass. Its blue color comes from the scattering of light, the same phenomenon that makes the sky look blue.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for small trapped air bubbles (common in glass) and a lack of 'fire' compared to natural opal. It will glow orange or peach when light is shone through it. It is found in gift shops globally rather than in specific geological formations.
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