What Is Opalite
Opalite is a synthetic or glass-based material, often called sea opal or moonstone opalite. It is typically made from glass or resin and may have a faint blue or milky sheen. It is not a natural mineral and is usually much less expensive than natural opal.
What Is Opal
Opal is a natural hydrated silica mineral formed in rock crevices. It displays play-of-color caused by tiny silica spheres diffracting light. Major sources include Australia, Ethiopia, and Mexico. Natural opal is valued for its color patterns, clarity, and rarity.
Opalite vs Opal Compared
Opalite is man-made glass, while opal is a natural gemstone. Opalite is durable, inexpensive, and uniform, whereas natural opal varies in color, pattern, and price. Use a gemological reference or jeweler to tell them apart, as opalite lacks the internal fire of real opal.
For more details on natural opal types and value factors, see the Gemological Institute of America at GIA Opal Guide.
