gemstone

Opalite

Man-made opalescent glass

Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale), Color: Translucent white to blue with a yellow/orange glow when backlit, Luster: Vitreous, Structure: Amorphous (glassy), Specific Gravity: ~2.5

Hardness: 5

Identified July 10, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale), Color: Translucent white to blue with a yellow/orange glow when backlit, Luster: Vitreous, Structure: Amorphous (glassy), Specific Gravity: ~2.5

Formation & geological history

Opalite is a synthetic, man-made glass. It is created by melting silica and adding various oxides to create an opalescent effect through the Tyndall effect, simulating the play-of-color found in natural opal.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry, decorative carvings, metaphysical 'healing' crystals, and as a low-cost substitute for natural opal or moonstone.

Geological facts

Unlike natural opal, which is a mineraloid formed in sedimentary environments over millions of years, opalite is produced in a factory. It is often confused with natural Moonstone or 'Sea Opal' by beginners.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by the presence of small air bubbles (uncommon in natural stones) and a distinct orange/warm glow when held up to a light source, while appearing bluish against a dark background.