Opalite vs. Opal: Unveiling the Iridescent Truth
People have long treasured opals for their captivating play of colors and ethereal beauty. However, not all that glitters is naturally occurring. The world of gemstones offers many options, including opalite and opal, two gems often mistaken for one another due to their shimmering appearances and similar names. While they may resemble, they differ fundamentally in origin, composition, and properties.
Opal: A Natural Marvel
Opal, known for its mesmerizing, kaleidoscopic colors, is a mineraloid composed of hydrated silica. Its unique internal structure, which consists of microscopic spheres or layers that diffract light, sets opal apart. The diffraction of light produces the iridescent play of colors, or “fire,” for which opal is renowned. The colors within opal range from a spectral display of reds, blues, and greens to a gentle play of pastel hues.
One of the distinguishing characteristics of opal is its formation. Water and silica create natural opal over millions of years. It often occurs in fissures or cavities within rocks, where silica-rich water infiltrates and slowly deposits silica spheres. This delicate process gives each opal its unique pattern and colours, making it a truly one-of-a-kind gemstone.
Opals come in various types, including precious opal and common opal. Precious opal displays the remarkable play of colours, while common opal lacks this phenomenon and is more commonly milky or translucent. Some famous types of opals include black opal, white opal, and boulder opal, each with distinct characteristics and value in the world of gemstones.
Opalite: A Man-Made Imitation
Opalite, in contrast, is not a natural gemstone but a synthetic creation. It often serves as a substitute for natural opal due to its resemblance to the genuine article. Opalite exhibits a milky, opalescent sheen, which is the source of its name and likeness to opal.
The manufacturing process of opalite involves combining various minerals, including dolomite, quartz, and metal, to create a glass-like material with a bluish or milky appearance. Manufacturers often treat Opalite with metal coatings or dyes to enhance its opalescence. This artificial method of production allows for more consistency in appearance compared to natural opal.
One of the significant differences between opalite and opal is their composition. While opal is composed of silica with a unique internal structure, opalite is primarily composed of glass, making it less durable and more susceptible to scratching. Genuine opal is a relatively soft gemstone on the Mohs scale, but opalite is even softer, making it less suitable for everyday jewellery.
Value and Rarity
The differences between opalite and opal extend to their value and rarity. Natural opals, particularly those with the high-quality play of colours, can be precious and sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Their scarcity, unique beauty, and historical significance as a precious gem contribute to their high worth.
On the other hand, opalite, being an artificial imitation, is generally less valuable than natural opal. It is often used in costume jewellery and decorative pieces due to its affordability and consistent appearance. While opalite may capture some of the visual allure of opal, it lacks the intrinsic value and rarity associated with the natural gemstone.
In conclusion, opalite and opal, despite their visual similarities, are worlds apart in terms of their origin, composition, properties, and value. Opal is a natural wonder formed over aeons with a unique internal structure that creates its mesmerizing play of colours. In contrast, opalite is a synthetic glass manufactured to mimic opal’s appearance but lacking in natural beauty and rarity. When choosing between the two, it is essential to consider your preferences and budget, as well as your appreciation for the genuine beauty of natural opal or the affordability of opalite’s imitation charm.