What Is the Difference Between Moonstone, Opal, and Opalite?

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Moonstone, opal, and opalite are often confused with one another, so it’s a good idea to define each of these terms so you are better informed when buying gemstones. Firstly, these three gemstones are not identical. These stones have different origins, and despite the similarity in appearance, they are not related to one another.

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Difference Between Moonstone, Opal, and Opalite

Moonstone belongs to the gem family feldspar. Some feldspars are adularescent, meaning they typically exhibit a mysterious, faint glow from within. Now, anyone who has seen any gemstone will confirm that this is not a typical property of minerals. Instead, rocks are known for reflecting external light.

On the other hand, Moonstones seem to have a fire within that they give off to the world. Before you get any more confused, this behavior with light results from light bending inside the crystalline structures of moonstones, thus, the adularescence.

The faint glow even changes when you move the stone because the angle also changes how the eyes perceive the bending of light within the moonstone. As a result, not all feldspars exhibit the glow, making the moonstone sought-after, especially by collectors who like unique stones.

Opal is Australia’s national gemstone, and is also considered an important commodity. A large chunk of the world’s opal supply is mined from the Land Down Under.

But how is it formed?

Opal is formed through the continuous deposition of water, and a compound called silicon dioxide. As water courses through the earth, it picks up different minerals and elements along the way.

The abundance of sandstone in some parts of Australia created the right conditions for forming large deposits of opal. The silica-rich waters millions of years ago eventually created the opal that is being mined and exported today. As the deposits of silica-rich water evaporated, the mineral formed.

Take note that this is not something that finishes in a day or even a century. It would help if you waited millions of years for the process to create opal. Queensland is the home of the famous Boulder opal. This opal type is cracked and harvested from ironstone concretions.

Opalite commonly refers to a brand name of synthetic or imitation opal. In common usage, opalite refers to any product made of either glass or plastic designed to look like opal. However, since many more companies have jumped into the market with their versions of imitation opal, the term has become more common and does not always refer to the brand name Opalite.

To clarify, opalite crystal may also refer to common opal or “potch.”

“Potch” is the name given to low quality or common opal that often has no exciting coloration. These opals are usually white or brown. Common opal isn’t dull, though – some of them have nice coloration, which is valued better than white or brown opal.

Be on the lookout for jewelers who may want to pass off Opalite (the brand of imitation opal) or “opalite crystal” (anything that looks like opal) as potch or genuine opal.

There are also infrequent debates on whether opalite should even be considered a gem. But now you know better – not all opalite crystals are artificial because potch is a natural gemstone!

What Is Opalite Good For?

Opalite is manufactured mainly for jewelry and for other ornamental purposes. However, Opalite can also be layered and combined with other gemstones to create attractive-looking pieces that can be displayed at home.

Should you have potch or common opal/opalite at home, you are free to use it for spiritual purposes. Opalite, by and large, is a powerful gemstone that can help with many spiritual quests and energy work objectives.

For one, it is linked with the third eye chakra. The third eye chakra manages the natural psychic talents and allows people to perceive and work in spiritual spaces better than those who don’t have these natural talents.

Opalite is also closely associated with the sky, which is the bulwark of clarity and balance. Essentially, opalite can help people who suffer from mental fog and indecisiveness. If you think about it, working with a clear mind is always best, and if you want to pursue a new beginning in your life, you need to make ways to improve your mental clarity and emotions.

Yet another advantage of having opalite in your collection is its ability to improve the power level of your communication abilities. Do you constantly struggle with connecting with people? Do you also struggle with expressing the right words to lead others? If you said yes, then you need gems like opalite.

Not only will opalite open the channels that lead to better communication. You will have a constant source of positive energy that will help you overcome anxiety with expression or communication. Opalite is also an excellent gem for fighting the darker aspects of the psyche.

Essentially, opalite will help unlock the doors that are preventing you from coming full circle. If you feel stuck and tired, you may have placed psychic blocks to your total abundance and growth. It is time to remove these blocks to living the life that you have always wanted finally.

How Is Opalite Made?

If you refer to opalite, the manmade clone of opal, then these items are basically blown from glass, making them very affordable. But, of course, the term cheap often has a negative connotation in jewelry because everyone is always after the most expensive stones.

For the rest of us who’d like to appreciate all things iridescent, clear, and beautiful, imitation stones are there for the taking. Not everyone has a massive budget for gemstones, but everyone can collect lower-priced alternatives.

Opalite is manufactured in plants and is classified mainly as opalescent glass. What makes opalite interesting is like the real thing; it can be cut and polished.

Opalite is also tumbled and processed into cabochons. Sometimes these stimulants are also marketed as moonstone alternatives because of their coloration. If you want a play of color similar to the real thing, then there’s nothing wrong with grabbing some opalite.