gemstone

Opalite

Synthetic Glass (Silica-based)

Hardness: 5-5.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Milky white to blue with an orangey glow when light passes through. Luster: Vitreous/Glassy. Structure: Amorphous (Non-crystalline).

Hardness: 5-5
Luster: Vitreous/Glassy

Identified July 9, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Opalite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 5-5.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Milky white to blue with an orangey glow when light passes through. Luster: Vitreous/Glassy. Structure: Amorphous (Non-crystalline).

Formation & geological history

Opalite is a man-made variety of glass created by melting silica and metal oxides. It is designed to mimic the optical effects of natural opal or moonstone through the scattering of light.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry making for beads, pendants, and cabochons. It is also very popular in the metaphysical and crystal collecting community for decorative purposes.

Geological facts

While it shares a name with the natural mineraloid 'Opal', Opalite refers specifically to this synthetic glass in commercial trade. It displays a 'Tyndall effect' which causes its characteristic blue glow.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its uniform color and lack of natural inclusions. It often contains tiny air bubbles visible under magnification, which distinguishes it from natural stones. It will look blue against a dark background and peach/orange when held up to the light.