Which Type Of Opals In Australia Are Used In Making Of Jewellery?

Gem-quality opals in Australia are the most beautiful and amazing gemstones used in jewellery. A single stone of opal can show a wide range of colours with an intensity and quality that cannot be compared with any other element.

Opal is considered as one of the most precious stone. They are generally available in three types. They are:

• Solid opal: A solid opal is a normal stone, which is available in various colours. The white background of the stones is least precious, while the dark shaded and black background stones are more costly.


• Doublet opal: A thin piece of opal (a few mm thick) is glued to a thick backing; this type of stones are known as doublet opals. To recognise the doublet, the stone should be turned to its side and the joint should be observed. In a few cases, the cap is made of quartz of plastic. The thin slice of the opal is enhanced by the backing and increases the colour of the opal.


• Triplet opal: A thin layer of precious opal is sandwiched between black backing and a cover made of synthetic spinel. The top layer acts as a magnifying lens and enhances the appearance of the precious thin layer. 

Doublet and triplets are used in making of jewellery. Solid opal is considered as the most costly one as the other two varieties have other substances attached to the stone. The solid opal value is dependent on various factors. 

Experts suggest that opal can be an excellent material for earrings, pendants, brooches and rings that do not encounter much wear and tear. This gemstone is softer than other precious stones. 

The main reason for the popularity of opal is the unique play of colours offered by the gems. The stone is made of tiny spheres act as spectrum when light passes through them and this gives the unique combination of colours.