gemstone
Opalite
Synthetic Opalized Glass / Man-made Glass
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Milky white to translucent with a distinctive blue or orange opalescent glow. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Amorphous (glass). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.35 to 2.45.
- Hardness
- 5
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 5.5 to 6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Milky white to translucent with a distinctive blue or orange opalescent glow. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Amorphous (glass). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.35 to 2.45.
Formation & geological history
Manufactured in laboratories or industrial settings by fusing dolomite and metal glass to simulate natural opal or moonstone.
Uses & applications
Widely used in the manufacture of costume jewelry, decorative items, and as a popular tumbled stone in the crystal healing and metaphysical community.
Geological facts
Despite often being sold under misleading trade names like 'sea opal' or 'opalite moonstone', opalite is actually a synthetic glass product rather than a naturally occurring mineral or gemstone.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its uniform texture, lack of natural mineral inclusions, and bright blue or orange iridescence when backlit. Readily available commercially worldwide.
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