mineral

Opalite Egg

Synthetic Glass (Simulated Opal)

Hardness: 5-5.5 Mohs scale; Color: Iridescent milky white to blue, appearing orange-gold when backlit; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline)

Hardness: 5-5
Luster: Vitreous

Identified July 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5-5.5 Mohs scale; Color: Iridescent milky white to blue, appearing orange-gold when backlit; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline)

Formation & geological history

Opalite is a man-made variety of glass (synthetic) created to simulate the play-of-color found in natural opal. It is produced by melting silica and other components in a controlled industrial environment.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for decorative purposes, carving into shapes like eggs or spheres, jewelry (pendants and beads), and in metaphysical practices as a 'healing' stone.

Geological facts

While it shares a name with natural opal, opalite is almost always synthetic glass. The 'opalescent' effect is caused by the scattering of light off tiny particles within the glass, a phenomenon known as the Tyndall effect.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its perfect clarity compared to natural stones, the presence of small bubbles under magnification, and its signature orange glow when light passes through it. It is commonly sold in New Age and metaphysical shops.