Solid, Doublet or Triplet - What is the difference?

By now you are probably guessing that we love opal. All sorts of opal, but I'd have to say Lightning Ridge Black Opal is our all time favourite. 

Here is a summary of the different ways you can buy opal. Opals are all beautiful, you just need to decide which type is for you.

Solid Opals

Solid Opals are the most sought after and most valuable opal. They must be cut and polished from the natural stone without being treated or  being added to in any other way.  They are often oval, round or teardrop in shape, but can be cut into a number of other shapes. Solid opals in their natural forms can also be cut and polished and referred to as a free form opal.


Doublet Opals 

Doublets are made by gluing slices of precious light opal to a common opal or any other backing with a dark background. The dark backing enhances the colours of the precious opal on top. A doublet should not be brought into contact with detergent or oils as the glues could be affected.


Triplet Opals 

Triplets are made by adding a clear protective cap to the doublet. The slices of precious opal used for triplets are thinner than for doublets and so triplets are usually less expensive. A triplet opal being layered, should not be brought into contact with detergent or oils as the glues could be affected.


Mosaic and Chip Opals 

Mosaic and Chip Opals are a composition of small flat or irregularly shaped pieces of natural opal cemented as a mosaic tile on a dark base material or encompassed in a resin. Opal chips are also used in Phials (vials).