​

What is a doublet opal? What is a triplet opal? What is the difference between doublets, triplets, and solid opals? What happens when doublets or triplets get wet? Why do some opals go cloudy? How should I care for a doublet or triplet?

One of the most basic things you should familiarize yourself with when expanding your education on opal are those partially man made stones known as doublets and triplets. In summary, these stones are slices of opal glued to a black backing, designed to imitate the appearance of a solid black opal. Adhering the slice of opal to a black backing causes the color to become much darker and more vibrant. However doublets and triplets are generally much cheaper than solid black opals as they only contain a small amount of genuine opal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOUBLETS

Doublets consist of two layers adhered together with glue:

 

1. A black backing which is made of either black industrial glass, black patch (colourless opal), hard plastic, brown ironstone or sometimes vitrolite.

2. A thin slice of opal (normally crystal opal or white opal). The thickness of the opal in a doublet can vary, however it is generally thicker than the opal found in a triplet. The edges of the slice of opal are generally rounded off (if there is enough opal) to give the stone a cabochon (domed top).

 

TRIPLETS

Triplets consist of three layers:

 

1. A black backing as above

2. A paper-thin slice of opal in the middle

3. A clear glass, quartz, or plastic capping in the shape of a dome. The slice of opal in a triplet is usually extremely thin (paper-thin) so the clear capping serves to give the stone a nice cabochon on top. The clear capping may also magnify the colour of the opal slightly, and also serve to protect the opal.

 

 

CARING FOR DOUBLETS AND TRIPLETS

 

Because opal doublets and triplets consist of layers, which are glued together, prolonged exposure to water may cause lifting between the layers and infiltration of water. (This does not mean your opal will be ruined if you wear it in the shower once, or are caught in the rain.) If water penetration occurs, a doublet or triplet will take on a 'foggy' or grey appearance. You may even notice the appearance of condensation inside the stone. You should avoid getting a triplet or doublet opal wet to avoid water penetration.

 

Please note: There is a lot of confusion regarding the care of opals because of the different caring instructions for solid opals as opposed to doublets / triplets. Solid opals are fine in water - it's only doublets and triplets that need to be kept out of water to avoid water penetration. Getting a solid opal wet will do no damage whatsoever.

Cleaning - Doublets & triplets may be wiped with a damp soft cloth and mild detergent, but should never be soaked or immersed. Avoid bleach, chemicals, cleaners, and ultrasonic cleaners.