Opal vs Opalite: What's the Difference?
What Is Opalite?
Opalite is a man-made glass that resembles the iridescent glow of opal. Despite its name, opalite is not a natural gemstone and should not be confused with real opal.
Key Characteristics of Opalite:
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Man-made (synthetic material, usually glass)
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Translucent white or milky appearance
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Displays a blue or iridescent glow in certain lighting
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Sometimes referred to as “sea opal” or “opalized glass”
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Often used in jewelry, crystal healing, and decorative items
💡 SEO Tip: “What is opalite made of?” — Opalite is typically composed of dolomite glass or other synthetic materials, not natural minerals.
What Is Opal?
Opal is a naturally occurring gemstone composed of hydrated silica. It is celebrated for its stunning play-of-color, which is caused by the diffraction of light through microscopic silica spheres.
Key Characteristics of Opal:
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Natural stone formed over millions of years
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Known for its colorful flashes and unique patterns
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Comes in a wide range of types: white opal, black opal, fire opal, boulder opal, and more
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Used in fine jewelry and prized by collectors
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Found in countries like Australia, Ethiopia, and Mexico
Opalite vs Opal: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Opalite | Opal |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Man-made | Natural |
| Composition | Glass or synthetic resin | Hydrated silica (SiO₂·nH₂O) |
| Color Play | Artificial iridescence | Natural play-of-color |
| Transparency | Translucent, milky | Varies (opaque to transparent) |
| Cost | Inexpensive | Can be expensive, especially rare types |
| Value | Mostly decorative | Valuable as a gemstone |
| Metaphysical Use | Promotes calm, communication | Enhances creativity, emotional clarity |
| Durability | Less durable than opal | Can be fragile, but naturally formed |
How to Tell the Difference Between Opalite and Opal
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Look at the color shift: Opalite has a uniform glow, usually shifting between blue and amber in different lighting. Opal displays vivid, random flashes of multiple colors.
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Check the origin: If it’s described as man-made or synthetic, it’s opalite. Authentic opals are mined from the earth.
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Price point: Genuine opals can be expensive, especially if they are high-quality black opals or fire opals. Opalite is much more affordable.
Is Opalite a Real Gemstone?
No, opalite is not a real gemstone. It’s a glass-based imitation designed to mimic the visual appeal of opal. That said, opalite is still popular in metaphysical circles and is used in meditation and energy healing.
Buying Tips: Opal or Opalite?
Choose Opalite If:
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You want a budget-friendly crystal
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You like a smooth, glassy look
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You’re interested in aesthetic or metaphysical use, not gem investment
Choose Opal If:
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You’re looking for a natural gemstone
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You want to invest in fine jewelry
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You appreciate one-of-a-kind, colorful patterns
Click here to shop opal jewelry!