Opalite vs. Opal: Which Gemstone is Right for You?

While they may look similar, striking differences set Opalite and Opal apart. The two stones may exhibit an ethereal power and radiant beauty, but differ greatly in their properties, origins, and uses. This opalite vs. opal article will examine the differences between the two gemstones, their healing properties, and why they are popular in jewelry and wellness. If you are looking for some unique gems to add to your collection, you might find them here.

Opalite and Opal are beautiful gemstones, but they have some differences. To understand their differences, we shall compare their colour, hardness, lustre, and clarity.

Opalite is a manufactured stone made mainly of glass and resin. It usually comes in white, milky blue, or sometimes violet. Opalite is known for its milky, translucent appearance reminiscent of Opal but with a less complicated color play.

Opal is another type of natural gemstone featuring colorful flashes throughout the stone. It can be found in many colors, including white and black; reds, blues, and greens are available too. Opals exhibit a color play known as "opalescence," caused by the internal fracturing of opals that bend and refract light. Opal is the best gemstone if you want something with genuine bright colors.

Opalite hardness on the Mohs scale is not very high; it scores around 5.5-6. This stone is thus relatively softer and can be scratched easily compared to a natural one.

Opal, however, is much softer. There are many different types of Opal, and each type has a different hardness. Most opals will have a hardness that ranges from 5.5 to 6.0. However, the key difference is that opals can be more fragile because of their porous nature. Although Opal is superior, you must take good care of it to prevent damage.

Opalite has a pearly, opalescent, glassy luster and brightly shines when illuminated with light. This gives it a cleaner, neater, and polished look. However, it lacks the dazzling, fiery look of some opal varieties.

Opal, however, is famous for its brilliant play of light. Opal is "fire opal" when red, orange, or yellow Opal, or "precious opal" when many different colors are visible. This stone has a much brighter luster than Opalite.

Opalite is made to be 'clear,' which is why it is usually flawless and has no inclusions. It is so smooth and even that it has a perfect appearance. Such specimens are good usage to make jewelry with clear stones.

Still, opals can have inclusions, which are sometimes considered natural beauty of the stone. The inclusions that cause the "play-of-color" are beautiful. Some opals are more transparent than others; however, most opals are somewhat cloudy or contain internal inclusions.

At Beads of Cambay, you can find a variety of Opal Beads and Opalite Beads to meet your needs. You can pick your own Opal and Opalite gemstone beads to make a unique jewelry design. Our Gemstone Beads are made with quality and aesthetics in mind, so your jewelry-making project will shine. You'll find the exact beads you need in the styles you require and in the colors you prefer.

Opalite and Opal both have their own unique properties that make them interesting gemstones. If you prefer a more subtle and translucent look, opalite is perfect for you. This gem is also a piece of jewelry that is easy to care for. In contrast, Opal is for those who want a play of bright colors and those who prefer a stone with a story.

Whether you pick Opalite or Opal, it will add magic to your collection.  No matter how you use them, these gemstones will always seal the deal. Whether you are using them for your jewelry design or their healing uses, coveting them will never go out of season.

Have more questions related to Opalite Vs. Opal? Contact our support team via email at info@beadsofcambay.com or call +1-877-255-5058 to get clarification on all your questions. Our Expert Support Team will be happy to assist you. To learn more about other gemstone types or beads, visit our blog section to get answers to all your questions.