mineral

Opalite glass sphere (likely synthetic imitation)

Man-made opalescent glass; not natural opal

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale blue-green translucent body with intense blue flash, glassy luster, curved molded-looking internal flow features, and no obvious natural crystal structure. Hardness about 5–6 Mohs; conchoidal fracture; specific gravity roughly 2.4–2.6.

Identified September 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Produced by melting silica-based glass with additives that create opalescence, then forming and polishing it into a sphere; it has no geological age or natural formation environment.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative sphere, lapidary material, ornament, and inexpensive “opalite” substitute in jewelry and metaphysical retail.

Geological facts

The blue sheen is structural light scattering in the glass rather than true play-of-color from hydrated silica. Visible mold seams, perfectly rounded geometry, bubbles, and uniform translucency commonly indicate synthetic opalite.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its unusually even appearance, glassy feel, rounded bubbles/flow lines, and lack of opal’s irregular color patches or porous structure. Natural opal is found chiefly in Australia, Ethiopia, and Mexico; this material is manufactured worldwide.