Moonstone vs Opalite is a comparison that generates a lot of curiosity among lovers of crystals, buyers of jewelry, and enthusiasts of spirituality just as well. At first sight, the two stones may look very similar as they both have that lovely soft glow and ethereal look, however, their origin, properties, and value are totally different.
Moonstone is a naturally occurring gemstone that is most desirable because of its adularescence and also because of its strong association with intuition, emotional stability, and feminine lunar energy. Whereas Opalite is an artificially created glass that is mostly admired for its milky translucence and its vivid play of colors, which is frequently used as a cheap substitute in jewelry and home decoration.
If you want to know the differences between Moonstone and Opalite, you will be able to buy wisely, whether that be for the purpose of healing with crystals, choosing gemstone jewelry, or simply delving into the symbolic significance of these shining stones.
Moonstone vs Opalite: Origin
The biggest difference is moonstone vs opalite, when you consider their origin: one is a natural gem, and the other is an artificial creation.
Moonstone is a natural gem from the feldspar mineral family. Deep under the Earths surface, it was created and the mysterious light it emits comes from adularescencean optical effect that results from the layers of orthoclase and albite alternating. Genuine moonstones can mainly be found in the mines of Sri Lanka, India, and Madagascar.
On the other hand, diam, Opalite is a synthetic, artificially produced glass. It lacks a crystalline structure as well as a geological past. Rather, it is made in factories by melting glass with metal compounds in order to imitate the milky, iridescent look of natural stones.
Moonstone is also a real natural gemstone as it expresses the raw power of nature, whereas Opalite provides a regular, inexpensive glow that comes from modern workmanship.
Moonstone vs Opalite: Color Comparison
Moonstone and opalite provide quite different color variations. A natural moonstone has adularescence which is an intriguing visual effect revealing a delicate blue or silvery glow drifting on and under the surface that seems to change as light moves over the stone. Its general color can be from clear to white, peach, or gray, with the best samples giving an intense electric blue shine.
On the other hand, opalite is a synthetic glass, resin mixture that has a static, milky, white base showing evenly distributed iridescence. Opalite, when set against dark backgrounds, shows a stable blue or pink glow without the different layers or dynamic depth of a natural moonstone.
Although both gemstones have enchanting appeal, the natural moonstone’s adularescence is the only genuine living source of a lunar, like glow, which opalite’s artificial light cannot really match.
Must Read: Opal vs Opalite: Differences & Similarities
Moonstone vs Opalite: Physical Properties
Although both emit an enchanting aura, moonstone and opalite vary at their core. Moonstone is a naturally occurring feldspar gem that is highly sought, after for its distinctive adularescence, a soft bluish light that appears to float just beneath the surface. On the hardness scale, it measures 6, 6.5 and it is susceptible to cleavage if hit.
On the other hand, Opalite is a fabricated glass, typically made from dolomite and resin. Its attractiveness is due to a steady, milky translucency combined with a synthetic opalescent glow. As it is glass, it is more consistent and resistant to chipping than moonstone but it does not have the natural, enchanting play of light. Understanding these physical traits assists you in identifying a valuable natural gem versus a good, looking synthetic substitute.
Moonstone vs Opalite: Price Comparison
Moonstone vs Opalite: Price ComparisonUpon looking at moonstone and opalite pricing, one can hardly notice the extent of the difference.
The price of a natural moonstone, which is a natural feldspar gemstone highly valued for its beautiful adularescence, usually varies between $10 and $50 per carat for good quality specimens, and the rare rainbow or blue moonstones can fetch prices of over $100 per carat.
On the other hand, opalite is a synthetic glass that is sold at only $1, 5 per piece, thus it is extremely cheap for use in jewelry and decorative items.
Such a huge difference in prices is evidence of their major difference at the core: a moonstone is a natural gemstone that has been formed by nature over thousands of years, whereas opalite is laboratory, made synthetic glass. The rarity, exquisite beauty, and the spiritual benefits of moonstone justify its high price, while the great availability of opalite makes it a suitable choice for the buyers who are on a budget but still want a beautiful iridescent look without having to pay the prices for a gemstone.
Moonstone vs Opalite: Benefits
Moonstone and opalite are two beautiful gemstones that are often compared in terms of their looks, energy, and metaphysical properties, but in fact, they differ quite a lot. In this post, we weigh up the pros and cons of Moonstone vs Opalite, analyzing their distinct characteristics, healing properties, and the best way of using them so that you can decide which one suits you the most.
Moonstone, which is a naturally occurring crystal, is mainly known as a tool for developing intuition, emotional stability, and feminine energy, thus it is very popular among spiritual and health, conscious people. Oppositely, opalite is an artificial piece of glass which is visually very calming and is symbolically linked to communication and inner peace.
Whether you are into crystal healing, energy work, or you are just a lover of meaningful gems, knowing the advantages of moonstone and opalite will let you make an educated and deliberate selection.
Moonstone vs Opalite: Affordability & Popularity
Moonstone vs Opalite: Affordability and Popularity
The difference in price and market positioning between moonstone and opalite is huge. Genuine moonstone, a natural feldspar gemstone that is very beautiful because of its shimmering adularescence, can cost a lot of money ranging from $10 to over $100 per carat depending on the quality, origin, and type of optical phenomena. It is exciting to find moonstones because they have been known to have an association with the metaphysical thus bringing in the luxury market.
On the other hand, opalite is a glass that has been chemically engineered to reflect light in the same manner as that of an opal stone and thus is sold by retail at prices of only a few dollars per piece. This low price has made it popular in costume jewelry and spiritual markets where money, conscious buyers want beauty without making a financial commitment.
Even though moonstone has remained the preference of high, end and collector markets because it is a real Earth mineral, the openoppositing availability of opalite has made it a huge commercial blockbusting product. None of them is “better”moonstone is all about genuine and hence it has the intrinsic value but on the other hand, opalite is beautiful and affordable for everyday wear and metaphysical practice.
