Opalite

10–20 mm pieces oftumble-polishedopalite, an artificial glass

Opaliteis atrade namefor syntheticopalescentglassand variousopalandmoonstonesimulants. Other names for this glass product includeargenon,sea opal,opal moonstone,and other similar names.It is also used to promote impure varieties of variously colored commonopal.

Natural opalite (as opposed to the man-made opalite) shares the same basic chemical properties as opal. It is made of tiny spheres ofsilicon dioxide,which stack onto each other in a pyramid grid shape. This grid is what allows thecat's-eye effectto be displayed when the stone is cut into a high-domedcabochon.Natural opalite is referred to as "common opal" to prevent confusing it with glass opalite.

When opalite glass is placed against a dark background, it appears to have a blue color. When placed against a light background, it is milky white with an orange or pink glow. Since it is glass, it may sometimes contain air bubbles, an after-effect of the forming process.

Usages

Opalite is mainly used as a decorative stone and is usually sold either tumble polished or carved into decorative objects. Some sellers will sell opalite asopalormoonstone.