Ópalo Menilito
Ópalo is a mineral with formula SiO₂·nH₂O, in the Mineraloides (Óxidos) group. This specimen comes from Embalse de Camarillas, Agramón, Hellín, Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha, España and joined the Terrium collection in 2026.
Description
Large, white, peanut-shaped menilite with a very smooth, matte surface.
About Ópalo
Menilite is a variety of common opal, without the play of colour of precious opal. It formed on the floors of ancient lakes from deposits of biogenic silica produced by diatoms (microscopic algae with minute siliceous skeletons). It characteristically develops rounded forms that, by chance and pareidolia, sometimes suggest human or animal figures. For this reason they have long been called "little idols" and have been used since prehistory in rituals and as amulets.
About the locality
The Camarillas Reservoir is noted for its menilite opals with a matte texture and colours from light grey to whitish. Their genesis is linked to silica-rich lacustrine deposits in a sedimentary setting.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0399
- Composition
- SiO₂·nH₂O
- Name
- Ópalo
- Variety
- Menilito
- Group
- Mineraloides (Óxidos)
- Category
- Meritum Persé
- Matrix
- Caliza
- Mine
- Embalse de Camarillas
- District / Municipality
- Agramón, Hellín
- Province
- Albacete
- Region
- Castilla-La Mancha
- Country
- España
- Acquired
- 2026
- Etymology
- Menilite is a toponymic derivative of Ménilmontant, a district of Paris that serves as the type locality.
- Quality
- Muy buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Abellaíta — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Abernathyita — España
- Aerenita — España
- Aerinita (fibrosa) — España
- Analcima — España
- Analcima — España