Opal and Opalite may look similar, but understanding their differences can save you from confusion and help you find the perfect October birthstone jewelry. From their origins and types to their symbolic meanings, here’s everything you need to know before you buy.
What Is Opal?
Composition and Formation
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Natural opal is a hydrated silica mineral (SiO₂·nH₂O). Its internal structure includes microscopic silica spheres arranged in a grid-like pattern. The spacing and size of these spheres diffract light, giving opal its characteristic play-of-color (rainbow flashes) or internal “fire.”
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Opals form when silica-rich solutions seep into cracks in rocks and gradually deposit layers of silica over long periods.
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Because water is part of its structure, opals can be sensitive to changes in humidity, temperature, and drying.
Types of Opal
There are many recognized categories of opal. Here are some of the most common:
| Type | Description / Distinctive Features | Typical Colors / Traits |
|---|---|---|
| White opal (Milky opal) | A lighter body tone, often with gentle flashes of color | White, pale gray, pastel hues |
| Black opal | Dark body tone (black, dark gray) which enhances contrast of colors | Bright, vivid flashes against dark background |
| Crystal opal / transparent opal | More transparent or translucent, allowing light to pass through | Clear, light background with internal colors |
| Fire opal | Usually clear to yellow, orange, or red, often without strong play-of-color (though sometimes with) | Fiery orange, yellow, red hues |
| Boulder opal | Found in ironstone matrix; patches of opal within a host rock | Dark matrix with flashes, sometimes dramatic contrast |
| Ethiopian opal (Welo opal) | Often hydrophane (can absorb water) and show intense coloration | Light background with strong multicolored effects; may change when wet |
| Common opal | Lacking play-of-color, more opaque and uniform in color | Pastel whites, greens, blues, etc. |
Each type has its own appeal, durability considerations, and value. The most prized opals are those with strong, vibrant play-of-color and contrast.
What Is Opalite?
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Opalite (also sometimes sold under names like “opalite glass” or “opalized glass”) is a man-made material - essentially a trade name for a synthetic glass or resin designed to mimic the milky translucence of opal.
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It does not have the internal structure of natural opal and therefore lacks the true play-of-color arising from diffracted light.
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Visual effects in opalite come from light scattering in the glass or resin, rather than the microscopic silica sphere structure of genuine opal.
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Because it’s synthetic glass or resin, opalite is more stable against moisture and temperature changes compared to natural opals.
Varieties / Imitations
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Some pieces are pure glass; others are treated or coated glass to enhance shimmer.
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Some “opalite” might also refer to “opalized glass” or other trade names used by jewelry makers.
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Be cautious: sellers may sometimes label things imprecisely, so visual inspection and asking about composition helps.
Opal vs. Opalite: Key Differences
Here’s how you can tell them apart:
| Feature | Natural Opal | Opalite (synthetic glass / resin) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin / composition | Natural mineral, hydrated silica with internal structure | Manufactured glass / resin |
| Play-of-color / internal flash | Yes - arises from microstructure diffraction of light | No true diffraction - visual effect from scattering/reflection |
| Durability / stability | Sensitive to dryness, heat, humidity changes | More stable; less prone to cracking from drying |
| Price | Can be expensive, especially for high-quality opals | Generally inexpensive |
| Value / authenticity | Considered a true gemstone, collectible | Decorative, often costume jewelry |
| Weight / feel | Slightly lighter and less “glassy” under close inspection | Feels like glass or resin; more uniform internal structure |
| Color changes in water / humidity | Some opals (especially hydrophane types) may change appearance when wet | Minimal change, being non-porous |
If you have a loupe, you can sometimes see layering or “play” in opal that is missing in opalite. Also, opals often show irregular patterns and internal “fire,” whereas opalite will often look more uniform and milky.
Symbolism & Meaning
Opal
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October Birthstone: Opal is one of the traditional birthstones for October, celebrated for its iridescence and variety.
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Symbolic meanings:
• Creativity, inspiration, and imagination
• Faithfulness, hope, purity
• Emotional balance, amplifying feelings or releasing inhibitions
• Protection and good luck (historically) -
Because opal reflects many colors, it is sometimes seen as a “mirror of the soul,” enhancing inner vision.
Opalite (or Opalite-like Glass)
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Though primarily decorative, opalite has gained modern metaphysical associations, such as:
• Promoting clarity, emotional healing, calmness
• Easing transitions and stress
• Enhancing communication and intuition -
Because it is synthetic and widely accessible, its metaphysical use is more often modern/new age rather than historic.
In many spiritual and healing communities, people use both opal and opalite, but with the understanding that opalite lacks the ancient gemstone lineage of real opal.
Opal Jewelry
Here are some real opal jewelry pieces available from GemStoneKing (or associated vendors). You can click through to see details, pricing, and images.
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925 Sterling Silver White Opal & Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Ring - features a 14×10 mm oval white opal cabochon accented by lab-grown diamonds; a striking statement for a birthstone or engagement ring. Shop now >
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925 Sterling Silver Oval Cabochon White Opal Pendant & Earrings Set - coordinated pendant + earrings set showcasing milky opal glow. Shop now >
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925 Sterling Silver Blue Opal Round Cabochon Necklace - a calm, ethereal blue opal pendant on a silver chain. Shop now >
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925 Sterling Silver White Opal Cabochon Ring - sleek opal ring in a minimal setting, ideal for daily wear. Shop now >
These pieces show some of the versatility of natural/treated opal in jewelry design, with cabochon cuts and settings that highlight their internal shimmer. (Gem Stone King carries many more opal pieces in its collection). Discover More >
Tips When Buying Opal (vs. Opalite)
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Ask for authenticity / certification: be clear whether it’s natural opal or synthetic glass.
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Inspect lighting: move the stone under different light angles; opal’s “fire” should shift.
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Check surface irregularities: natural opals can have inclusions, slight fractures, or layering; opalite is often too perfect.
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Consider durability: natural opals should be handled with care; avoid drying, sudden temperature changes.
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Compare price: if the price is too low for a “true opal,” it might be a synthetic or imitation.
Conclusion
While opal and opalite may appear visually similar at first glance, their essence is quite different. Opal is a natural gemstone celebrated for its internal structure, play-of-color, and rich metaphysical heritage. Opalite, on the other hand, is a synthetic glass or resin that borrows opal’s softness of glow but lacks its internal complexity and natural history.
If you're seeking meaningful, lasting birthstone jewelry, natural opal (or treated/engineered opal) is typically the stronger choice — especially when paired with trusted suppliers like GemStoneKing. Use the tips above to tell them apart, and enjoy the luminous beauty each has to offer.
