How to Tell if an Opal Is Real: A Guide to Buying Natural Australian Opal

Written by Lee Cosgrove

If you're considering buying an opal, you may be wondering: How can I tell if an opal is real?

With solid natural opals, doublets, triplets, synthetic opals and imitation stones all available, understanding exactly what you're purchasing is important.

Australia is famous around the world for its incredible natural opal, from Lightning Ridge black opal to Queensland boulder opal and the beautiful white and crystal opals found in Australia's opal fields.

Whether you're purchasing a loose opal or a finished piece of opal jewellery, here are some of the things to look for when choosing a natural opal.

Types of Opal Explained: Solid Opal, Doublets, Triplets, Black Opal, Boulder Opal & More

If you're buying opal for the first time, understanding the different types of opal can be confusing. What is the difference between a solid opal, doublet and triplet? Is black opal always black? What makes boulder opal different? And how does Australian opal compare with Ethiopian opal?