Comparison · Materials
Aura Quartz vs Opalite
Aura Quartz and Opalite are easy to confuse because both are materials. Aura Quartz is harder (Mohs 7) than Opalite (Mohs 5.5), so Aura Quartz will scratch Opalite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Aura Quartz and Opalite
- Aura Quartz is harder (Mohs 7) than Opalite (Mohs 5.5), so Aura Quartz will scratch Opalite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
- Luster is different: Aura Quartz is metallic while Opalite is vitreous.
- They overlap in blue and yellow, but Aura Quartz also comes in multicolored and purple and Opalite also comes in white.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Aura Quartz is hexagonal, Opalite is amorphous.
Aura Quartz vs Opalite properties
| Property | Aura Quartz | Opalite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Materials | Materials |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 5.5 |
| Luster | metallic | vitreous |
| Streak | White to colorless | White to colorless |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 | 2.4 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | amorphous |
| Common colors | Iridescent, Blue, Rainbow, Gold, Purple | Milky White, Blue, Yellow, Opalescent |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$180+ | $3–$70+ |
Which is more valuable?
Aura Quartz is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $25 against $15 for Opalite, and premium Aura Quartz can reach $180 or more.
About Aura Quartz
Aura Quartz is treated quartz with a thin metallic coating that creates bright blue, rainbow, or iridescent surface color.
About Opalite
Opalite is a retail trade name for manmade opalescent glass and related opal simulants, commonly sold as tumbled stones or jewelry.
Aura Quartz vs Opalite FAQ
Is Aura Quartz the same as Opalite?
No. Both are materials, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Aura Quartz is harder (Mohs 7) than Opalite (Mohs 5.5), so Aura Quartz will scratch Opalite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
How can you tell Aura Quartz from Opalite?
Aura Quartz is harder (Mohs 7) than Opalite (Mohs 5.5), so Aura Quartz will scratch Opalite and not the other way round. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will. Luster is different: Aura Quartz is metallic while Opalite is vitreous. They overlap in blue and yellow, but Aura Quartz also comes in multicolored and purple and Opalite also comes in white.
Which is harder, Aura Quartz or Opalite?
Aura Quartz is harder: Mohs 7 against Mohs 5.5 for Opalite.
Which is more valuable, Aura Quartz or Opalite?
Aura Quartz is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $25 against $15 for Opalite, and premium Aura Quartz can reach $180 or more.
