gemstone

Opalite (likely man-made glass)

Opalite; amorphous silica glass, not a natural mineral

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Milky translucent white with blue/yellow iridescence and a vitreous luster; hardness about 5–6 Mohs, no cleavage, and no crystal structure. The smooth animal-shaped carving indicates a processed specimen.

Identified September 20, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Commercial opalite is usually synthetic opalescent glass made by melting silica-rich materials with additives; it has no geological age or natural formation environment. Natural opal is hydrated amorphous silica (SiO₂·nH₂O), but this appearance is more consistent with glass.

Uses & applications

Used for carvings, beads, ornaments, and inexpensive jewelry; the pictured piece appears decorative. Typical value is low compared with natural precious opal.

Geological facts

The blue glow is caused by light scattering and thin-film effects, not true opal play-of-color. Opalite is commonly marketed under misleading names such as “moonstone opalite.”

Field identification & locations

Check for perfectly uniform translucency, rounded bubbles, and glass-like conchoidal fractures; these support synthetic glass. Natural opal is softer (about 5.5–6.5), often shows irregular color play, and may display a more variable internal texture.