Gemstones uses for centuries to promote healing. Different stones say to have different properties, and many people believe that wearing or carrying a stone can help to heal the body, mind, and spirit. There are a wide variety of gemstones available, each with its own purported benefits. Some of the more popular stones include amethyst (said to promote calmness and peace), rose quartz (said to promote love and healing), and turquoise (said to promote protection and good luck). When discussing the healing properties of gemstones, we cannot help but mention opals and opalites. When it comes to opal vs opalite healing properties, they both are very similar. Both stones help to ease stress and anxiety and promote relaxation. They also boost the immune system and aid in the treatment of depression and insomnia. Let us learn more about these two gemstones.
Opal
Opal is a hydrated amorphous form of silica, meaning it does not have a crystalline structure. Rather, it composes of microscopic spheres of silica that diffract light to create a stunning play-of-color effect. The colors of opal can range from pale white to deep black, and everything in between.
The name “opal” is derived from the Sanskrit word “upala”, meaning “precious stone”. In fact, opal has been prized by humans for centuries, with some of the earliest known examples dating back to 4,000 BCE. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that opal was the tears of the gods, and it was often used in jewelry and other decorative objects.
Opal is found in a number of locations around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Honduras, and the United States. Australian opal, in particular, is highly sought-after for its exceptional quality.
Opalite
Opalite is a man-made stone, meaning it is not naturally-occurring. Rather, it is produced by fusing glass with metal, usually titanium. The resulting stone is then cut and polished to create a smooth, opalescent surface.
Opalite is often mistakenly referred to as “opal”, but the two gemstones are not the same. For one, opalite does not have the same play-of-color effect as opal. Additionally, opalite is much harder than opal, meaning it is more durable and better suited for use in jewelry.
Despite being man-made, opalite is still a beautiful and popular gemstone. It is often used in jewelry, as well as in a variety of decorative objects.
Characterstics of Opal and Opalites
Opal is a stone of inspiration that enhances imagination and creativity. It can bring inspiration to projects and to life and career choices. Opal is also a very spiritual stone, and can be used to enhance communication with spirits and other realms. Opal can also help one to be more in tune with the natural world.
Opalite, a man-made stone, is said to have many of the same properties as opal. It is said to enhance communication, creativity, and imagination. Like opal, opalite is also said to be a very spiritual stone, and is said to help one to be more in tune with the natural world.
Though they share many similarities, there are also some key differences between the two as follows.
Opal vs Opalite
Now that we’ve explored the basics of opal and opalite, let’s take a more in-depth look at the key differences between these two gemstones.
Composition
As we mentioned, opal is a kind of hydrated amorphous silica. It can contain as much as 21% water by weight, but it is most commonly found between 6% and 10%. It is classified as a mineraloid due to its amorphous nature, as opposed to the other crystalline forms of silica, classified as minerals. Furthermore, it is deposited at low temperatures and may be found in practically any type of rock fissure, however, it is most usually associated with sandstone, limonite, basalt, rhyolite, and marl.
Opalite is created by fusing quartz with metal oxides, usually titanium. The result is a stone with a soft, opalescent sheen. It is often used in jewelry and as a decorative stone.
Color
The colors of opal are truly amazing. They can range from the most delicate of blues to the brightest of pinks and everything in between. The thing that makes opal so special is that it is truly a unique gemstone, with no two pieces being exactly alike.
Opalite typically exhibits a soft, pastel blue coloration. However, this stone can also be found in a variety of other colors, including pink, purple, and white.
Durability
Opal is one of the most durable gemstones, with a hardness of 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs scale. It is typically resistant to scratches and wear, making it ideal for everyday jewelry. However, opal can be susceptible to chipping and breakage if it is mishandled or subject to extreme temperatures. Proper care and storage of opal jewelry can help prolong its beauty and longevity.
Opalite is a hard and scratch-resistant material, and is not expected to suffer from environmental degradation or wear. Opalite jewelry is typically set in sterling silver or gold, which further protects it from damage.
Overall, opalite is a beautiful and durable material that can make lovely jewelry. Its longevity will likely be determined by how it is cared for, but with proper care, it should last for many years.
Play-of-Color
The term “play-of-color” is used to describe the way certain minerals, such as opal, seem to change color when they are viewed from different angles. This optical effect is caused by the way these minerals diffract light. The colors you see when you look at an opal are actually created by the interference of light waves.
Play-of-color is one of the things that makes opal so unique and beautiful. When you look at an opal, you may see a range of colors, including red, green, blue, and violet. The colors may seem to shift and change as you move the opal around.
This phenomenon is caused by the different sizes of the spheres of silica that make up opal. These spheres are arranged in a regular, three-dimensional pattern. When light hits the opal, some of the light waves are reflected, while others pass through the opal and are refracted.
Man made opalite does not exhibit Play-of-Color like natural opals. Play-of-Color is caused by the diffraction of light by microscopic spheres of silica gel in natural opals. In man-made opalite these spheres are absent.
Value
Opal is typically more valuable than opalite, due to its rarity and the fact that it is a natural gemstone. However, both gemstones can be quite valuable, depending on the quality and size of the stone. The price of opal varies on its size, color, and body shade. Black opals are the most expensive and demandable. Opals are sold by carat or weight.
Uses
Opal and opalite are both popular choices for use in jewelry and other decorative objects. Opal use also in a variety of industrial applications, such as in the production of abrasives and ceramic products.
Conclusion
Opal and opalite are two of the most popular gemstones on the market today. Though they share many similarities, there are also some key differences between the two. In this article, we’ve explored both opal and opalite in greater detail, including their unique properties, history, and uses. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which gemstone is right for you.
