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Opalite, in the context of a commonly sold decorative material, is a synthetic substance, most often a type of glass. It is characterized by a milky, translucent to semi-translucent appearance, often exhibiting a blue or bluish-white glow when viewed against a dark background, and an orange or amber glow when viewed with transmitted light. This optical effect is due to light scattering within the material. It does not display the true 'play-of-color' (opalescence) characteristic of precious natural opal, which arises from the diffraction of light by an ordered array of silica spheres. While some synthetic opals are engineered to replicate this play-of-color, the material commonly marketed as 'Opalite' is typically a simpler glass or resin.
How to Identify
- Color
- Typically milky white, bluish-white, or pale blue, often with an orange or amber tint when backlit. It lacks the distinct spectral 'play-of-color' of precious natural opal.
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy) to resinous.
- Texture
- Smooth, often polished. May show conchoidal fracture surfaces if broken.
- Crystal Form
- Amorphous (no crystal structure), as it is a glass or resin.
- Cleavage
- None, as it is amorphous.
- Geological Environment
- Not found in geological environments; it is manufactured in industrial settings.
Key Facts
- Hardness: Approximately 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale (for glass varieties).
- Specific Gravity: Approximately 2.65-2.80 (for glass varieties), varying with composition.
- Crystal System: Amorphous (non-crystalline).
- Color: Milky white, bluish-white, pale blue; often with an orange/amber glow when backlit.
- Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to resinous.
- Transparency: Translucent to semi-translucent.
- Fracture: Conchoidal (shell-like).
- Cleavage: None.
- Composition: Primarily silica-based glass, sometimes with additives like rare earth elements, or a synthetic resin.
Quick Check
- Color: Milky white, bluish-white, or pale blue; orange/amber when backlit.
- Luster: Vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: White (as it is glass or resin).
Physical Characteristics
- Crystal Habit: Massive, amorphous.
- Cleavage Type: None.
- Fracture Type: Conchoidal.
- Tenacity: Brittle.
- Luster Type: Vitreous (glassy) to resinous.
Formation
Opalite, as commonly sold, is a man-made material. The most prevalent form is a type of glass, often with a milky or opalescent appearance, sometimes containing rare earth elements to enhance its optical properties. Another form can be a synthetic resin. It is not a naturally occurring mineral or rock. True synthetic opal (Gilson opal, Kyocera opal, etc.) is also man-made but is engineered to mimic the structure and play-of-color of natural opal, typically composed of microscopic silica spheres in a regular array.
Usage
Primarily used in jewelry, decorative objects, carvings, and sometimes as a substitute for natural opal due to its attractive appearance and lower cost. It is also used in some metaphysical practices.
Age Distribution
Modern (since the 20th century for glass, more recent for resin composites)
Where to Find
Manufacturing Facilities
Opalite is produced in factories and laboratories worldwide, particularly in regions with glass or synthetic material production capabilities.
Retail Markets
Commonly found in jewelry stores, craft shops, metaphysical stores, and online retailers.
Finding Tips
Distinguish from Natural Opal
Natural opal exhibits a true 'play-of-color' (diffraction of light into spectral hues) that shifts with viewing angle. Opalite (glass) shows a consistent milky or bluish glow, often with an orange backlight effect, but no true play-of-color. High-quality synthetic opals (e.g., Gilson opal) do show play-of-color but often have a more uniform or 'snake-skin' pattern compared to natural opal.
Check for Bubbles
As a glass product, Opalite may sometimes contain small, spherical gas bubbles, which are absent in natural opal. However, modern manufacturing techniques can minimize or eliminate these.
Temperature Test
Glass Opalite will feel cooler to the touch than natural opal, which is a poor conductor of heat. This is a less reliable test for resin-based Opalite.
Hardness Test
Opalite (glass) typically has a Mohs hardness of 5.5-6, similar to natural opal (5.5-6.5). This test is not definitive for differentiation.
Similar Rocks
Natural Opal
Hydrated Amorphous Silica (SiO2·nH2O)
Also known as: Precious Opal, Common Opal
Moonstone
Potassium Aluminum Silicate (KAlSi3O8)
Also known as: Adularia, Selenite (incorrectly)
Chalcedony
Cryptocrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
Also known as: Agate, Jasper, Carnelian
Scientific Classification
- Mineral Class
- Not a mineral; synthetic material.
- Group
- Not applicable; synthetic material.
- Crystal System
- Amorphous.
- Chemical Formula
- Variable, typically SiO2-based glass with various additives, or organic polymers for resin types.
- Composition
- Synthetic glass (silica-based) or resin.
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