gemstone

Opalite

Synthetic Glass (Simulated Opal)

Hardness: 5.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Milky white to translucent blue, exhibiting an orange-pink glow when light passes through or against dark backgrounds. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Hardness: 5
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 26, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Opalite is a man-made trade name for synthetic opalescent glass created by melting silica with metals to produce a distinctive opalescent luminescence mimicking natural opal or moonstone.

Uses & applications

Widely used in costume jewelry, lapidary art, wire-wrapping, tumbled stone collections, and holistic/crystal healing practices.

Geological facts

Although often marketed alongside natural crystals, opalite is synthetic glass. Natural opalite does exist as an impure form of natural opal containing quartz, but in the gemstone market, 'opalite' almost always refers to this glass stimulant.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its signature milky-blue appearance that turns warm amber/orange under direct light, smooth glass texture, and presence of tiny internal gas bubbles under magnification. Popular among casual collectors.