gemstone

Tumbled opalite (likely synthetic glass)

Opalite; typically man-made opalescent soda-lime glass, not a recognized mineral species

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Smooth, rounded, translucent white-blue body with strong blue-orange sheen and vitreous luster; hardness about 5–6 Mohs, no cleavage, amorphous rather than crystalline, and specific gravity around 2.4–2.6.

Identified August 15, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

The appearance is most consistent with commercially manufactured opalite glass, produced by melting and cooling silica-based glass, then tumbling and polishing; it has no natural geological age. Natural stones sometimes sold as opalite are commonly opal or moonstone, which require separate testing.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as an inexpensive jewelry, meditation, ornamental, and lapidary material; unsuitable for structural construction. It is often cut into cabochons, beads, and worry stones.

Geological facts

Its vivid blue flash is caused by light scattering within the glass, while orange or golden edges result from reflection and thickness. It is frequently mislabeled as “sea opal” or “moonstone.”

Field identification & locations

Identify by its uniform glassy appearance, rounded polish, bubbles or flow textures, and absence of crystal facets; a refractive-index, hardness, or magnification test can confirm it. Commonly manufactured worldwide, especially for the craft market.