mineral

Opalite (likely imitation opal glass)

Man-made opalescent glass; not a natural mineral (often sold as opalite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Smooth, translucent milky-white material with blue sheen and yellow-orange glow when backlit. If glass, it has no Mohs mineral hardness or crystal structure; natural opal is amorphous silica, SiO₂·nH₂O, Mohs 5.5–6.5.

Identified October 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

The pictured uniform, softly glowing cabochon is characteristic of manufactured opalite glass, made by melting and shaping glass with opalescent additives; it has no geological age or natural formation environment.

Uses & applications

Used for inexpensive jewelry, beads, cabochons, and decorative objects; it is not suitable as an industrial ore or construction stone.

Geological facts

Despite its trade name, opalite is generally not opal. Natural opal may show play-of-color, whereas opalite glass commonly has a consistent blue cast and warm transmission under backlighting.

Field identification & locations

The even color and strong warm glow through the base suggest imitation glass, though the photo alone cannot confirm composition. A gemologist can distinguish it by testing refractive index, bubbles, and other glass features; natural opal is found in regions including Australia and Ethiopia.