mineral
Tumbled opalite (likely man-made glass)
Opalite glass; a synthetic opalescent glass, not a natural mineral species
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectSmooth, rounded, translucent milky blue with a yellowish glow near the edge. Glassy luster; hardness typically about 5–6 Mohs; no natural crystal structure or cleavage. The photo alone cannot confirm its composition.
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Physical properties
Smooth, rounded, translucent milky blue with a yellowish glow near the edge. Glassy luster; hardness typically about 5–6 Mohs; no natural crystal structure or cleavage. The photo alone cannot confirm its composition.
Formation & geological history
Commercial opalite is manufactured glass, so it has no geological age or natural formation process. Natural opal is hydrated silica (SiO₂·nH₂O), but this piece’s uniform, cloudy appearance is typical of imitation opalite.
Uses & applications
Often sold as an inexpensive decorative or jewelry stone and used in beads, pendants, and carvings.
Geological facts
“Opalite” is a trade name that can refer to synthetic glass or, less commonly, natural opal; the name does not establish that a piece is genuine opal.
Field identification & locations
Its rounded polish and even blue-to-yellow translucence suggest a manufactured tumbled piece rather than a raw specimen. The reported location in Sergipe, Brazil, does not meaningfully support identification as natural opal; a hardness or laboratory test would be needed to verify material.
