mineral
Opalite (Man-made Glass)
Synthetic Opalised Glass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Translucent milky white with blue/orange opalescence; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal Structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.4-2.5
- Hardness
- 5-6 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Translucent milky white with blue/orange opalescence
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Translucent milky white with blue/orange opalescence; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal Structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.4-2.5
Formation & geological history
Opalite is a man-made synthetic glass. It is not a natural stone or mineral. The opalescent effect is created by adding metal compounds (like cerium or titanium) or small particles to the glass melt to scatter light, mimicking the Tyndall effect found in natural moonstone or opal.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in costume jewelry (beads, cabochons), decorative ornaments, and for 'crystal healing' purposes. It is popular in retail environments because of its consistent coloring and low production cost.
Geological facts
Because of its glowing appearance, it is often mislabeled as 'Sea Opal,' 'Moonstone,' or 'Opaline.' True opal is a natural hydrated silica, whereas opalite is chemically indistinguishable from industrial glass.
Field identification & locations
In the field, it is identified by the presence of small air bubbles (visible under magnification) and its lack of natural inclusion patterns found in real moonstone. It typically glows blue against a dark background and orange/amber when light is shone through it.
