gemstone

Opalite

Man-made Opalized Glass (Synthetic Glass)

Hardness: 5-6.5 Mohs scale; Color: Milky white with blue and yellow opalescence; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture

Hardness: 5-6
Color: Milky white with blue and yellow opalescence
Luster: Vitreous

Identified July 21, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5-6.5 Mohs scale; Color: Milky white with blue and yellow opalescence; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Amorphous (non-crystalline); Cleavage: Conchoidal fracture

Formation & geological history

Opalite is a synthetic, man-made glass. It is created by fusing glass with metals or other materials to create a play of light that mimics natural opal. Unlike natural opal, it does not have a geological age as it is manufactured in industrial glass facilities.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry making (beads, cabochons), meditation practices, and as a decorative stone in collecting. It is popular in the metaphysical community for its aesthetic appeal and purported energetic properties.

Geological facts

Opalite is frequently confused with real opal or moonstone. While real 'natural opalite' refers to a common opal without play-of-color, the term is almost exclusively used today to describe this specific type of opalescent man-made glass.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the presence of small air bubbles trapped within the glass and a very consistent, hazy blue/orange glow depending on light grazing. It is commonly found at gem shows and metaphysical shops rather than in nature.