Comparison · Materials
Blue Goldstone vs Opalite
Blue Goldstone and Opalite are easy to confuse because both are materials. Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Blue Goldstone and Opalite
- Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Blue Goldstone is opaque, Opalite is translucent.
- They overlap in blue, but Opalite also comes in white and yellow.
Blue Goldstone vs Opalite properties
| Property | Blue Goldstone | Opalite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Materials | Materials |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White to colorless | White to colorless |
| Transparency | opaque | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.5 | 2.4 |
| Crystal system | amorphous | amorphous |
| Common colors | Dark Blue, Navy, Sparkly, Metallic specks | Milky White, Blue, Yellow, Opalescent |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $3–$80+ | $3–$70+ |
Which is more valuable?
Typical specimens of Blue Goldstone and Opalite trade in a similar range, around $15.
About Blue Goldstone
Blue Goldstone is a manufactured dark blue aventurine glass with tiny sparkling metallic inclusions.
About Opalite
Opalite is a retail trade name for manmade opalescent glass and related opal simulants, commonly sold as tumbled stones or jewelry.
Blue Goldstone vs Opalite FAQ
Is Blue Goldstone the same as Opalite?
No. Both are materials, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Blue Goldstone from Opalite?
Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Blue Goldstone is opaque, Opalite is translucent. They overlap in blue, but Opalite also comes in white and yellow.
Which is harder, Blue Goldstone or Opalite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 5.5.
Which is more valuable, Blue Goldstone or Opalite?
Typical specimens of Blue Goldstone and Opalite trade in a similar range, around $15.
