Mineral Species: Quartz var. Opalite

Chemical Formula: SiO2

Chemical Name: Silicon Dioxide

Mineral Class: Tectosilicate

Mineral Notes:  Opalite is an example of microcrystalline quartz, a variety whose crystals are so minute they can't even be seen through the microscope. It is formed from Silica that has been removed from silicate minerals and then carried by water in colloidal suspension. It then settles out as a noncrystalline silica gel which then loses water and hardens. The name Opalite is used for a variety which shows a high degree of internal diffusion and diffraction of light producing a very characteristic effect.