Opalite

Enlightenment • Clear mind • Uplifting • Gentle and soft energy

Appearance

Has a milky or pearlescent sheen with a rainbow-like shimmer. Generally very translucent and semi-transparent.

Rarity

Common.

Enlightenment • Clear mind • Uplifting • Gentle and soft energy

Energetic properties

Opalite promotes enlightenment, clears the mind, and has an uplifting effect. It can bring a sense of space and breathing room—both literally and figuratively. It provides good grounding during meditative states. The stone generally has a gentle, warm, and soft energy and is often particularly attractive to children. Physically, opalite has a warming effect, helps muscles relax, and may support lung function.

Opalite is suitable for children.

Formation

Opalite is man-made. It is a synthetic glass created to resemble opal. Therefore, it’s important to note that opalite is not considered a natural gemstone but rather an artificial material commonly used in jewelry and decorative objects. It should not be confused with natural opal.

Etymology

The name 'opalite' comes from its resemblance to opal; a natural gemstone known for its characteristic color play, also called 'opalescence'. Although opalite is a synthetic material, it shares similar visual properties with opal, such as a milky or pearly shine and rainbow, like shimmer.

Care

Opalite is relatively hard and durable and doesn’t require special care. It can be cleaned under running water and gently patted dry with a soft cloth. It may also be cleansed and recharged using sage, incense or moonlight.

Origin

Worldwide (as it is man-made).

Availability

Because opalite is not a natural gemstone, it is widely available. It is commonly used in jewelry and often sold as tumbled stones, animal or angel figurines, or pendants in various shapes.

Natural opal, by contrast, is much rarer. It can be useful to learn to recognize opalite, as it is often confused with genuine opal; just as citrine and heated citrine quartz can be mistaken for one another. That’s why it is always wise to verify the authenticity of a crystal and purchase from a reliable source.