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Opalite is a trade name for a synthetic material that exhibits an opalescent or milky, often bluish-white, sheen. When placed against a dark background, it typically appears blue, and when against a light background, it can appear milky white or clear with an orange or pinkish glow. It lacks the true play-of-color (diffraction of light) characteristic of precious natural opal, instead displaying a more uniform opalescence or adularescence-like effect. It is not a mineral and does not have a defined crystal structure or chemical formula in the geological sense.
How to Identify
- Color
- Typically milky blue, bluish-white, or clear with an internal orange/pinkish glow when backlit. The color can shift depending on the background (blue against dark, milky white/orange against light).
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy) to resinous.
- Texture
- Smooth, often polished. May show conchoidal fracture surfaces if broken.
- Crystal Form
- Amorphous (no crystal form), typically molded or cut into various shapes.
- Cleavage
- None (due to amorphous nature).
- Geological Environment
- Not found in geological environments; it is manufactured in industrial settings.
Key Facts
- Hardness: Glass Opalite: 5.5-6 on Mohs scale; Resin Opalite: 2-4 on Mohs scale.
- Specific Gravity: Glass Opalite: 2.65-2.70; Resin Opalite: 1.08-1.18 (varies by composition).
- Crystal System: Amorphous (no crystal system).
- Color: Milky blue, bluish-white, clear with internal orange/pink glow.
- Luster: Vitreous to resinous.
- Transparency: Translucent to transparent.
- Fracture: Conchoidal.
- Cleavage: None.
- Composition: Glass Opalite: Primarily silica (SiO2) with other additives (e.g., cryolite, metal oxides). Resin Opalite: Various synthetic polymers.
Quick Check
- Color: Milky blue to white, often with an orange/pink glow when backlit.
- Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to resinous.
- Streak: White (for glass or resin).
Physical Characteristics
- Crystal Habit: None (amorphous).
- Cleavage Type: None.
- Fracture Type: Conchoidal.
- Tenacity: Brittle (glass) to somewhat flexible (resin).
- Luster Type: Vitreous (glassy) to resinous.
Formation
Opalite is a man-made material, typically glass or a synthetic resin, designed to mimic the appearance of natural opal or moonstone. Glass Opalite is formed by melting silica and other components (e.g., cryolite for opalescence) at high temperatures and then cooling it. Resin Opalite is formed by polymerizing various resins with additives to achieve a similar visual effect. It does not form through geological processes.
Usage
Primarily used in costume jewelry, decorative items, carvings, and as a less expensive alternative to natural opal or moonstone. It is also marketed in metaphysical and New Age communities for its perceived energetic properties.
Age Distribution
Modern (manufactured)
Where to Find
Manufacturing Facilities
Opalite is produced in factories globally, particularly in regions with glass or synthetic material industries.
Retail Markets
Commonly found in jewelry stores, craft shops, metaphysical stores, and online retailers.
Finding Tips
Check for Play-of-Color
Natural precious opal exhibits a true 'play-of-color' (diffraction of light into spectral colors) that shifts with angle. Opalite typically shows a more uniform opalescence or adularescence-like sheen, without distinct flashes of spectral colors.
Examine Transparency and Inclusions
Opalite is often very clear or uniformly milky. Natural opals may have natural inclusions, matrix material, or variations in transparency. Glass Opalite may show tiny bubbles or flow lines under magnification.
Consider Price
Opalite is significantly less expensive than natural precious opal or high-quality moonstone. An unusually low price for an 'opal' should raise suspicion.
Hardness Test (with caution)
Glass Opalite typically has a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6, similar to natural opal. Resin Opalite will be softer (Mohs 2-4). This can help distinguish it from harder minerals, but should be done carefully to avoid damage.
Similar Rocks
Natural Opal
Hydrated Amorphous Silica (SiO2·nH2O)
Also known as: Precious Opal, Common Opal
Moonstone
Orthoclase Feldspar (KAlSi3O8)
Also known as: Adularia, Selenite (misnomer)
Chalcedony
Cryptocrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
Also known as: Agate, Jasper, Carnelian
Scientific Classification
- Mineral Class
- Not a mineral; synthetic material.
- Group
- Not applicable.
- Crystal System
- Amorphous.
- Chemical Formula
- Glass Opalite: Variable, primarily SiO2 with additives; Resin Opalite: Variable synthetic polymers.
- Composition
- Glass Opalite: Silica-based glass with opacifying agents; Resin Opalite: Polymer-based synthetic material.
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