Comparison · Materials vs Carbonates
Opalite vs Smithsonite
Opalite and Smithsonite are easy to confuse. Opalite is harder (Mohs 5.5) than Smithsonite (Mohs 4.5), so Opalite will scratch Smithsonite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Opalite and Smithsonite
- Opalite is harder (Mohs 5.5) than Smithsonite (Mohs 4.5), so Opalite will scratch Smithsonite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
- Streak color differs: Opalite leaves a white to colorless streak on unglazed porcelain, Smithsonite leaves white.
- Smithsonite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.4 versus 2.4 for Opalite).
- They overlap in white, blue, and yellow, but Smithsonite also comes in green and pink.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Opalite is amorphous, Smithsonite is trigonal.
Opalite vs Smithsonite properties
| Property | Opalite | Smithsonite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Materials | Carbonates |
| Mohs hardness | 5.5 | 4.5 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White to colorless | White |
| Transparency | translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.4 | 4.4 |
| Crystal system | amorphous | trigonal |
| Common colors | Milky White, Blue, Yellow, Opalescent | Blue green, Green, Blue, Yellow, Pink, White |
| Rarity | common | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $3–$70+ | $15–$900+ |
Which is more valuable?
Smithsonite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $120 against $15 for Opalite, and premium Smithsonite can reach $900 or more.
About Opalite
Opalite is a retail trade name for manmade opalescent glass and related opal simulants, commonly sold as tumbled stones or jewelry.
About Smithsonite
Smithsonite is a zinc carbonate mineral most admired for its smooth botryoidal crusts and soft pastel colors, especially blue-green. It also occurs as massive material and rare rhombohedral crystals and is a recognized zinc ore.
Opalite vs Smithsonite FAQ
Is Opalite the same as Smithsonite?
No. Opalite is a material while Smithsonite is a carbonate. Opalite is harder (Mohs 5.5) than Smithsonite (Mohs 4.5), so Opalite will scratch Smithsonite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
How can you tell Opalite from Smithsonite?
Opalite is harder (Mohs 5.5) than Smithsonite (Mohs 4.5), so Opalite will scratch Smithsonite and not the other way round. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not. Streak color differs: Opalite leaves a white to colorless streak on unglazed porcelain, Smithsonite leaves white. Smithsonite feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.4 versus 2.4 for Opalite).
Which is harder, Opalite or Smithsonite?
Opalite is harder: Mohs 5.5 against Mohs 4.5 for Smithsonite.
Which is more valuable, Opalite or Smithsonite?
Smithsonite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $120 against $15 for Opalite, and premium Smithsonite can reach $900 or more.
