Opalite

Opalite is a trade name for synthetic opalised glass and various opal simulants.[1][2] It is also used to promote impure varieties of variously colored common opal.[1] Opalite is sometimes called the Tiffany Stone or Bertrandite.

Inside of opalite a range of colours may be visible - from certain angles, different colours are visible too. Against direct light it tends to look orange. You can read through Opalite, because it is translucent. It is generally flawless, but may sometimes contain air bubbles, an after effect of the forming process.

The streak of opalite (depending on the color) is typically white.

Usages

Opalite is mainly used as a decorative stone, and is usually sold either tumble polished or carved into decorative objects. Rough pieces are almost never found.

Some unscrupulous sellers try to pass it off as Opal or Moonstone.

10-20MM pieces of tumble polished Opalite - a synthetic, man made glass.

References

  1. 1 2 http://www.mindat.org/min-5984.html Mindat.org
  2. ↑ Eckert, Allan W. (1997). The World of Opals. New York, New York: John Wiley and Sons. pp. 107-108. ISBN 978-0-471-13397-1
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