Silver Hills Gems: Opalite

Sea Opal Glass

What is opalite, also known as “sea opal glass”? Is it a gemstone, or is it man made?

“Opalite” usually refers to a man made glass used mainly in jewelry making.

Opalite Tumbles

Opalite is a man-made opalized glass resin that is fused with metal to create an opalescent effect. Although this material is usually anywhere from clear to milky colored, it takes on an unearthly, luminous blue glow – especially when placed against a dark backdrop.

That’s why it’s sometimes mistaken for moonstone.

Moonstone

However, against a white backdrop or held up to the light, opalite / sea opal glass often takes on an amber color.

But it’s the lovely, glowing blue that really attracts people. Wear opalite jewelry against any dark colored clothing, and start counting the number of people who come up to you and ask, “What is that stone?”

Although most of the jewelry components bearing this name are the glass variety, there is also a true gemstone called “opalite”.

This stone is composed of dolomite plus quartz and fluorite, and is usually a purple, lavender, or mauve color. It sort of looks like a cross between lepidolite and charoite.

You may see this gemstone also called “opal fluorite” or “tiffany stone”.

Opal fluorite/Tiffany stone