Blue opal: meaning, origin, care and “opalite” glass

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Blue opal is most often a common opal from Peru, a milky blue-green. Many pieces sold under this name are in fact glass or dyed opal.

Key points

Colour	Sky blue to blue-green, translucent to opaque
Mineral family	Common opal (hydrated silica), non-crystalline
Mohs hardness	About 5.5 to 6
Origin	Peru (Andean opal), Chile; United States (Owyhee)
Cause of the colour	Copper, with fine inclusions of chrysocolla according to a cited study
Frequent confusion	“Opalite” is manufactured glass, not opal
Traditional association	Throat or third-eye chakra, communication
Care	Soft cloth; no knocks, heat or chemicals

What is blue opal?

Blue opal is a common opal: hydrated silica that does not show the play of colour of precious opal, but charms with a soft, milky blue, often slightly greenish. The most widespread comes from Peru and is sold as Andean opal. Its colour is attributed to copper, present with very fine inclusions of a copper silicate, chrysocolla, according to gemmological studies cited by reference databases.

Other deposits exist: blue opal from Chile, described in recent gemmological publications as more saturated than the Peruvian stone, and Owyhee opal, on the border of Oregon and Idaho, a translucent sky blue. Transparent pieces may, according to some reports, become milky over time.

Its hardness is close to 5.5 to 6: a moderately soft stone, so sensitive to scratches. Like all opal, it contains water, which calls for some precautions.

Traditional symbolism

Blue recalls water, the sky and the voice. In contemporary tradition, blue opal is associated with communication, sincere expression and calm. It is often suggested to those who must speak in public or who want to put words to their emotions.

These are recent symbolic images, with no ancient source: blue opal only became widely known with the development of the Peruvian mines. No effect has been proven, and the stone does not replace a conversation with someone close, nor medical advice.

Traditional correspondences

Area	Association cited	Note
Chakra	Throat, sometimes third eye	Depending on the authors; see the throat chakra
Element	Water	Modern usage
Sign	Pisces, Aquarius, Gemini	Varies according to the authors
Month	October (through opal)	Blue opal has no list of its own

How to use it

As a pendant: worn near the throat, it makes a discreet piece of jewellery that recalls the symbolism of speech.
As a bead bracelet: use a well-elasticated thread and avoid knocks.
On a desk: a small sphere or a pebble for visual calm.
Before speaking: some people hold it in the hand for a moment and breathe, a small ritual of refocusing.

It pairs well with larimar, celestine or aquamarine for a sea-blue palette.

Care and cleansing

Cleaning: a soft, slightly damp cloth; dry immediately.
Avoid: ultrasonic cleaners, household products, perfume, lacquer, intense heat and prolonged sunlight.
Salt and soaking: to be ruled out.
Storage: separate from harder stones, in a soft cloth.

Moonlight, sage or selenite are suitable for symbolic cleansing. See our guide.

Recognising real blue opal and avoiding imitations

This is where most confusion exists. Here are the cases met in the trade:

Natural blue opal: irregular colour, variable translucency, sometimes veins or brownish zones. It is rather understated, not electric.
Dyed opal: pale opals are coloured an intense blue. A very uniform, saturated blue is a warning sign.
“Opalite”: this is manufactured glass, often a milky white with bluish reflections (and sometimes orange ones against the light). It has nothing natural about it, however pretty it is. Some shops blur the vocabulary and sell it as a stone.
Blue glass slag: industrial blue milky glasses can imitate blue opal; their density and their feel distinguish them from a natural piece.

An honest seller says “opalite (glass)” or “natural opal”. If in doubt, ask. See also the page on opal.

How to choose

For a lasting purchase, a mounted piece protects the stone. Look for a blue you like in daylight, a polish without cracks and a price in line with a common opal: a very cheap piece with a dazzling colour is very probably dyed or glass.

If you mainly like the milky effect, glass opalite is an honest and sturdy option, provided you know what it is. To compare with other blue stones, see sodalite. For the vocabulary, see the glossary.

Frequently asked questions

Does blue opal really exist?

Yes: natural blue opal exists, notably in Peru, Chile and Oregon. But many pieces sold under this name are glass (opalite) or dyed opal.

What is opalite?

It is a manufactured milky glass, white to bluish, sold as beads and cabochons. It is not an opal. It is solid and pleasant, but it is not natural.

Is blue opal fragile?

It is moderately soft (about 5.5 to 6) and contains water: it is sensitive to knocks, heat and chemicals.

Where does the blue colour come from?

For Peruvian opal, according to the studies cited, from copper associated with fine inclusions of chrysocolla. This point is described cautiously in the gemmological literature.

Can it go in water?

Briefly and in lukewarm water, yes; do not let it soak. Dry it straight away.