What is an Opalite VS Synthetic Opal
Opalite, also known as common opal, is a man-made glass material used in jewelry that resembles opal.
Property | Opalite | Synthetic Opal |
---|---|---|
Composition | Man-made glass | Silicon dioxide (SiO2) |
Color | Milky white to iridescent blue-green | White to iridescent blue-green |
Hardness | 5.5-6.5 | 5.5-6.5 |
Transparency | Opaque to translucent | Opaque to translucent |
How Opalite is Made
Opalite is created by adding impurities to molten glass, such as copper, cobalt, or iron oxide. These impurities give opalite its distinctive milky white to iridescent blue-green color.
Opalite vs. Natural Opal
Appearance: Opalite has a milky white to iridescent blue-green color, while natural opal can exhibit a wide range of colors, including blue, green, red, orange, and yellow.
Transparency: Opalite is opaque to translucent, while natural opal can be transparent to opaque.
Hardness: Opalite has a hardness of 5.5-6.5, while natural opal has a hardness of 5-6.5.
Price: Opalite is much less expensive than natural opal.
Benefits of Opalite
- Calming and soothing
- Enhances creativity and imagination
- Promotes emotional healing
- Helps with communication
- Aids in meditation
Opalite Uses
- Jewelry
- Home décor
- Figurines
- Healing crystals
Is Opalite a Gemstone?
While opalite is often used in jewelry, it is not considered a gemstone in the traditional sense.
Gemstones: are naturally occurring minerals with a specific chemical composition, crystal structure, and hardness.
Opalite: is a man-made glass material.
Where to Buy Opalite
Opalite can be purchased from various sources, including:
- Jewelry stores
- Online retailers
- Craft stores
- Metaphysical shops
How to Care for Opalite
- Store opalite in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid exposing opalite to extreme heat or cold.
- Clean opalite with a soft cloth and mild soap.
Opalite Alternatives
- Natural opal
- Synthetic opal
- Rainbow moonstone
- Labradorite
- Sunstone
FAQs
Q: Is opalite a real opal?
A: No, opalite is a man-made glass material resembling opal.
Q: Is opalite a valuable stone?
A: No, opalite is not considered a valuable stone.
Q: Can opalite be worn as a healing crystal?
A: Yes, opalite is believed to have calming and healing properties.
Q: What is the difference between opalite and synthetic opal?
A: Opalite is a man-made glass material, while synthetic opal is created in a laboratory using silicon dioxide (SiO2).
How to Stand Out as an Opalite Seller
- Offer unique opalite jewelry designs.
- Educate customers about the differences between opalite and natural opal.
- Highlight the benefits of opalite as a healing crystal.