Comparison · Semi-Precious Stones vs Materials
Opal vs Opalite
Opal and Opalite are easy to confuse. 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 Opal and Opalite
- Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Streak color differs: Opal leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Opalite leaves white to colorless.
- They overlap in white and blue, but Opal also comes in black and pink and Opalite also comes in yellow.
Opal vs Opalite properties
| Property | Opal | Opalite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Semi-Precious Stones | Materials |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White to colorless |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.1 | 2.4 |
| Crystal system | amorphous | amorphous |
| Common colors | White, Black, Fire, Blue, Pink | Milky White, Blue, Yellow, Opalescent |
| Rarity | uncommon | common |
| Typical specimen value | $50–$10000+ | $3–$70+ |
Which is more valuable?
Opal is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $500 against $15 for Opalite, and premium Opal can reach $10000 or more.
About Opal
Opal is famous for its play-of-color, caused by the diffraction of light through microscopic silica spheres. Australia produces 95% of the world's opals.
About Opalite
Opalite is a retail trade name for manmade opalescent glass and related opal simulants, commonly sold as tumbled stones or jewelry.
Opal vs Opalite FAQ
Is Opal the same as Opalite?
No. Opal is a semi-precious stone while Opalite is a material. 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 Opal from Opalite?
Both sit near Mohs 5.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Streak color differs: Opal leaves a white streak on unglazed porcelain, Opalite leaves white to colorless. They overlap in white and blue, but Opal also comes in black and pink and Opalite also comes in yellow.
Which is harder, Opal or Opalite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 5.5.
Which is more valuable, Opal or Opalite?
Opal is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $500 against $15 for Opalite, and premium Opal can reach $10000 or more.
