A type of opaque, often milky-white glass that was historically cast into tiles, bricks, or wall panels. It was popular in early commercial architecture for its clean, sanitary appearance and ability to reflect light. While rarely used in new construction, restoration crews still encounter it when rehabilitating historic storefronts and bathrooms.
Heard on the job
We've to carefully remove the opalite tiles from the old subway entrance so they can be reinstalled after the structural repairs.
Also heard as
- opal glass