Opalite $4.00

Tumbled opalites are polished pieces of a man-made glass material known for its milky, translucent appearance and subtle iridescent glow. While not a natural mineral, opalite is valued for its optical effects that resemble those of natural opal, making it a popular choice for collectors and decorative uses.

Features:

• Composition: Opalite is a synthetic glass composed primarily of silica with added materials to create its characteristic opalescence.

• Appearance: Exhibits a milky to translucent base with blue to rainbow-like flashes when held to light, simulating the iridescence of natural opal.

• Formation: Manufactured through controlled glassmaking processes, opalite crystals do not form naturally in the Earth.

• Physical Properties: Smooth and durable with a vitreous luster, suitable for polishing into various shapes including tumbled stones.

• Educational Value: Useful for demonstrating optical phenomena like light diffraction and internal reflection in man-made materials.

Tumbled opalites provide an accessible example of how human technology can mimic natural mineral effects, ideal for decorative collections or educational displays.