White Opal Glass (Opaline Glass)
Amorphous Silica Glass (Synthetic) · Decorative Material / Synthetic Glass
Crystal System
Amorphous (Non-crystalline material manufactured into a sphere)
Mineral Group
Silicates (Man-made Glass)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 + CaF2 or Na3AlF6 or SnO2 (Glass matrix with opacifying agents)
Formation Process
Industrial glass blowing or molding process where a molten glass mixture is cooled rapidly, with additives creating the milky opacity.
About This Crystal
A large, perfectly spherical object with a smooth, glossy surface. It is a milky white color with a vitreous, high-shine luster. The object is translucent to opaque and lacks natural inclusions or crystalline features.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Opaque white; Streak: White (if powdered); Cleavage: None; Fracture: Conchoidal (shell-like); Specific Gravity: ~2.5; Fluorescence: Often none unless specific phosphors were added.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: ~1.45-1.55; Isotropic (Single Refraction); Lacks natural pleochroism or dispersion; Exhibits translucence when backlit.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Industrial manufacturing facility (Commonly used in lighting or home decor)
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness: 5.5 to 6. Brittle toughness; sensitive to thermal shock and mechanical impact. Suitable for decorative home use, not for jewelry wear.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface. Keep away from high-impact areas as it can shatter.
Rarity & Value
Common; high availability as a mass-produced consumer product. Value is based on size and manufacturing quality rather than mineralogical rarity.
Special Characteristics
Light diffusion properties; designed to spread light evenly when used as a lamp shade (likely its intended purpose).
Lore & History
In a modern context, white spheres represent clarity and cleanliness. Historically, opaline glass was developed in 19th-century France to mimic expensive milky stones like porcelain or white opal.