An Opal Doublet is an thin slice of Opal cemented to another material, usually an Opal matrix, Potch Opal or even Sandstone.
Doublet Opals cannot be sold as a natural Opal because of its play of color is usually affected by the backing stone. It is very common, affordable, and used in many Opal jewelry.
DO NOT CONFUSE DOUBLET OPALS WITH NATURAL BOULDER OPALS
Unfortunately, many jewelers that lack knowledge and education do not even know the differences. Since plain Boulder Opal matrix, which is called sometimes the host rock, is usually used as a Doublet Opal backing. The distinction between Doublet and Natural Boulder Opal becomes difficult to many buyers.
Natural Boulder Opals have a naturally attached backing which is the Opal matrix, as one solid piece, while a Doublet is a glued Opal to a backing. It is easy to detect the Doublet stones by looking at them from the side. A Doublet has a straight separation line, while a Natural Boulder Opal has a irregular or crooked one.
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