mineral

Opalite

Synthetic Glass (SiO2 + impurities)

Hardness: 5.5-6 (Mohs scale); Color: Pale blue to milky white with orange-pink luminescence; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Amorphous; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.5

Hardness: 5
Color: Pale blue to milky white with orange-pink luminescence
Luster: Vitreous

Identified May 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Opalite is a man-made variety of glass. It is created by melting silica and other components with metal ions to produce its characteristic opalescence, simulating the visual effects of natural common opal or moonstone.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for decorative purposes, jewelry (pendants, beads), holistic healing practices, and as a collector's curiosity for those interested in synthetic stones.

Geological facts

While it shares a name with the mineral Opal, Opalite is almost always synthetic. It is famous for its 'Tyndall effect,' where light scattering makes the stone appear blue against a dark background and yellowish-orange when light shines through it.

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for small air bubbles (common in glass) and a lack of natural inclusions. It is mass-produced and found in crystal shops and craft markets worldwide. Authentic natural opalite exists but is very rare and lacks this specific glowing blue-white sheen.