Jewelry fans when looking for iridescent gemstones frequently opals and opalites, which are two widely different substances, mix up the terms. A beautiful natural gemstone opal which is created over millions of years through silica deposits is famous for its play, of, color combination which has been pleasing collectors for centuries.
On the other hand, opalite is just human, made glass material that is produced in labs, thus offering a cheaper substitute with its own heavenly, misty, blue glow. Whereas geological rarity and distinct optical characteristics are why opal is priced higher, opalite allows buyers on a budget to have an option at jewelry and decorative uses.
Knowing the main distinctions between these materials, from their genesis and makeup to their spiritual attributes and market price, gives the customers the power to buy wisely. If you are looking for a natural gemstone of an investment level or a good synthetic substitute, the knowledge that distinguishes opal from opalite will make you sure that the product matches what you are paying for.
Opal Vs Opalite: Origin
The origin of opal and opalite is one of the main differences between these two look, alike stones. Opal is a natural gemstone that has been created over millions of years, as silica, rich water penetrating the rock crevices and slowly hardening, thus giving the play, of, color that is unique to it.
The major deposits of opal are in Australia, Ethiopia, and Mexico. On the other hand, opalite is glass made by humans and is not a natural crystal. It is made in laboratories by heating glass with metal oxides to imitate the opal’s gentle radiance. Although opalite is very popular in jewelry and decoration, it is not of the same geological origin and rarity as natural opal.
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Opal Vs Opalite: Color Difference
Although they share a name, Opal and Opalite differ greatly in their origin and optical properties. Opal is a natural gemstone that forms from hydrated silica. Its characteristic “play, of, color” is a biological wonder; light diffracts from the surface of microscopic silica spheres resulting in vivid, internal flashes of neon green, fiery red, and deep blue. Each natural stone has its distinctive, multidimensional color pattern.
In contrast, Opalite is a glass that is artificially made. It does not have “internal fire” and instead shows a consistent opalescent glow. It looks milky white or soft blue on light backgrounds but changes to a warm peach or orange glow when held up to the lightthis is the Tyndall effect.
Differences Summary
| Feature | Natural Opal | Synthetic Opalite |
| Color Source | Internal light diffraction | Light scattering (Tyndall effect) |
| Visual Depth | Multilayered “flashes” | Uniform, cloudy translucency |
| Base Hue | Varies (Black, White, Boulder) | Consistent lavender-blue/orange |
Opal vs Opalite: Physical Properties
Opal and opalite are very different in the way they start and their physical properties. Natural opal stone is a naturally occurring hydrated silica gemstone (SiOnHO) with a Mohs hardness of 5.56.5. The enchanting play, of, color of opal is due to the diffraction of light by the microscopic silica spheres, a phenomenon known as opalescence. It takes place over a long period of time in sedimentary environments and typically contains 321% water, which is why it is somewhat porous and can get damaged because of temperature fluctuations.
On the other hand, opalite is a man, made glass or resin material with a smooth, milky look and a lower hardness at around 5. It does not have a real play, of, color but just carries a stable bluish, white light when exposed to light because of the way it is made. In contrast to natural opal, opalite does not have any water and is produced in factories within a very short time. Knowing these differences will help you choose the right gemstone and take care of it accordingly.
Opal vs Opalite: Price Comparison
Natural opal is a gemstone of great value, whose price can skyrocket depending on the level of brilliance, pattern, and scarcity. Ordinary white opal might be priced as low as $10, $50 per carat, whereas highly desired black or crystal opal can easily fetch hundreds and even thousands per carat.
On the other hand, opalite is a cheap, synthetic glass. Being a material produced in large quantities, it is always very cheap, and the retail price of a finished piece such as a necklace or palm stone usually ranges between $2 and $20 only.
In the end, a natural, one, of, a, kind beauty of opal, which, therefore, justifiably, sells at a high price, whereas opalite, a synthetic, allows the customer to make a purchase at a low price. If you see an ‘opal’ being sold at the price of opalite, then, most definitely, it is synthetic.
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Opal vs Opalite: Popularity & Affordability
Opal vs Opalite: Popularity & AffordabilityWhen opal and opalite are compared, knowing the different characteristics of each helps people who love jewelry make better choices when they buy. Natural opal, a precious gemstone that has been formed by nature for millions of years, has a beautiful play of color which makes it fetch very high prices from $50 to several thousands of dollars per carat depending on the quality and place of origin. The black opals of Australia remain the most desirable and their exceptional fire and rarity make them extremely valuable.
On the other hand, opalite is a cheap artificial glass that resembles the opal glow through a synthetic process. Most pieces priced between $5 and $30, opalite gives a budget, friendly option to buyers with the characteristic milky, blue glow. Although it does not have genuine opal’s natural play, of, color, opalite came to being in the jewelry designs of today and the crystal healers’ community.
According to market trends, opal has more investment value and is more attractive to collectors, especially when it is Ethiopian and Australian varieties. Opalite, on the other hand, is the king of low, cost fashion jewelry segments and is therefore very popular among the younger generation that is after the mystic look but does not want to pay a high price for it. The two stones are meant for different customers, opal for serious collectors and lovers of fine jewelry, opalite for the ones that just want to wear something cheaply and spiritually symbolical rather than being geologically authentic.
Conclusion
Choosing between opal and opalite ultimately depends on your priorities, budget, and intended use. Natural opal represents a genuine investment in Earth’s artistry, offering unmatched beauty, rarity, and long-term value for collectors and fine jewelry enthusiasts. Its authentic play-of-color and geological significance justify premium pricing.
Opalite serves as an excellent alternative for those seeking affordable elegance, metaphysical properties, or trendy accessories without financial commitment. While lacking opal’s natural authenticity, opalite’s ethereal appearance and accessibility have earned it a dedicated following.
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