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:
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Composition: Opalite is a synthetic glass composed primarily of silica with added materials to create its characteristic opalescence.
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Appearance: Exhibits a milky to translucent base with blue to rainbow-like flashes when held to light, simulating the iridescence of natural opal.
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Formation: Manufactured through controlled glassmaking processes, opalite crystals do not form naturally in the Earth.
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Physical Properties: Smooth and durable with a vitreous luster, suitable for polishing into various shapes including tumbled stones.
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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.
