Opal vs Opalite: Know the Major Difference

Since ancient times, gemstones have captured the hearts of people all over the world. They not only look beautiful, but they also hold tremendous healing energies. There are hundreds of different kinds of gemstones out there in today's world. Among them, Opal and Opalite are often adrift of each other because of their physical similarities; nevertheless, they are two completely distinct gemstones. While Opal and Opalite may look alike in some instances, they differ greatly in their history, price, and purpose. Knowing the important distinctions between Opal and Opalite should assist you in making better decisions when buying jewelry or gemstones for astrological purposes.

Understanding Opal: A Natural Wonder

The opal gemstone has been a symbol of creativity, love, passion, and emotional balance for centuries. This lovely gemstone is ruled by the planet Venus(shukra) in astrology, the planet that rules over beauty, luxury, art, and relationships. People who wear opal believe it adds to their charm, attracts love, enhances creativity, and brings about emotional balance. Because of its astrological properties, astrologers usually only recommend natural opals after consulting with them. Authenticity is very important in relation to opal; artificial opals do not hold the same degree of energy as real opals.

Key Characteristics of Opal:

• Natural and organic gemstone
• Contains water content ranging from 3% to 20%
• Displays vibrant rainbow-like color flashes
• Each opal is completely unique
• Primarily mined in Australia, Ethiopia, Mexico, and Brazil

Because of its delicate structure and water content, opal requires special care. Extreme heat or dryness can cause cracking. Despite this, opal remains one of the most treasured gemstones in the world.

What is Opalite?

Unlike opal, Opalite is not a natural gemstone. It is a synthetic glass material created in laboratories or factories to resemble the soft glow of opal. Opalite is usually milky white or translucent with bluish or orange undertones that become more visible under light. Although visually attractive, opalite does not form naturally and does not possess the geological or astrological value of opal.

Key Characteristics of Opalite:

• Artificial, man-made material
• Made from glass and resin
• Smooth, uniform appearance
• No natural play-of-color
• Affordable and easily available

Opalite is commonly used in fashion jewelry, decorative items, and crystal healing accessories. Its popularity comes from its aesthetic charm and budget-friendly nature.

Healing and Metaphysical Beliefs Around Opalite

In crystal healing practices, opalite is believed to promote calmness, emotional clarity, and communication. It is often associated with reducing stress and balancing emotions. However, it is important to note that these benefits are symbolic and belief-based, not astrological or scientific.

Unlike opal, opalite is not recommended for planetary remedies in Vedic astrology.

Opal vs Opalite: A Detailed Comparison

Feature	Opal	Opalite
Nature	Natural gemstone	Man-made glass
Formation	Naturally formed over millions of years	Factory-produced
Appearance	Bright, colorful play-of-color	Soft, uniform glow
Water Content	Contains water	No water content
Durability	Delicate, needs care	More durable
Price	Expensive	Affordable
Astrological Use	Yes (Venus gemstone)	No
Uniqueness	Every stone is unique	Looks similar in all pieces

Price and Market Value

Natural opals with strong play of color have a high price based on the origin, brightness, and clarity of the gemstone. In contrast, opalite is usually mass-produced and very inexpensive to purchase, making the resale or investment value extremely low due to its abundance.

How to Identify Real Opal vs Opalite

Here are some simple tips to differentiate between the two:

• Look at the colors: Opal shows random, vibrant color flashes, while opalite has a consistent glow.
• Check temperature: Natural opal feels cooler to the touch.
• Price check: If it’s very cheap, it’s likely opalite.
• Consult a gemologist: Certification is the best way to confirm authenticity.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Opal if:

• You want a natural gemstone
• You are buying for astrological or spiritual purposes
• You prefer rare and valuable stones

Choose Opalite if:

• You want a budget-friendly alternative
• You are buying for fashion or décor
• You love a soft, glowing appearance

Both stones serve different purposes, and neither is “better” than the other—it all depends on your intention.

Final Thoughts

At first glance, you might think that opal and opalite are quite similar, but upon closer examination, you will discover there are vast differences in their properties, origins, and values. Opal is a natural gemstone that holds the energy of Mother Earth; whereas, opalite is an artificial gemstone created to offer an affordable alternative without sacrificing quality or appearance. By understanding the differences between opal and opalite, you can minimize confusion as well as be more educated about your purchasing decisions. Whether you enjoy the natural beauty of opal or prefer the soft luminescence of opalite, knowing which type of stone will best suit your personality, beliefs, and finances will help you find the right gemstone for you.

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