The term "opaline" in current times refers to many forms of opaque and colored glass. Oplaine is sometimes also referred to as Venetian or “milk glass.” This style of glass was used in France in the 1800s and was commonly used in vases, bowls, cups, decanters, perfume bottles, boxes, clocks and other implements. The Opaline beads that we carry are a knock off of this popular glass, and make for great designs, some people will use them in place of moonstone, or opal beads because they have a similar aesthetic, at a fraction of the cost!