What are doublets, triplets and mosaic opal? Opal Words at Lightning Ridge

Doublets, triplets and mosaics are ways of making something more out of something less, and an artform in their own right. I spoke with Vicki at Down To Earth Opals at Lightning Ridge about these kinds of opals, and looked at some spectacular examples!
Welcome to Opalwords, a series of videos about the terminology used in the opal mining industry and specifically at the opal mining location of Lightning Ridge in Northern New South Wales, Australia, and the home of the black opal.
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0:00 Introduction
0:43 Solid Opal
1:57 Doublets
4:17 Triplets
5:07 The Elephant in the Room
8:58 Mosaic
10:12 Acknowledgements
Down To Earth Opals:
www.downtoearthopals.com.au
/ downtoearthopals
/ down_to_earth_opals
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IDU theme by Russell Gawthorpe, remixed by fraxyl
French Gameshow and Asleep in the Background by fraxyl
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Thank YOU for watching!
#triplets #doublets #lightningridge

[@blackopaldirect]

Fantastic video Russell. It’s always hard to explain this topic and you nailed it.

[@CuriosityMine]

Thanks Justin, much appreciated! 😁

[@DubstepHeroDH]

Thanks

[@mikecamacho1736]

Cheers Russel, your old man's doublets are beautiful.

[@CuriosityMine]

Thanks Mike! Those doublets are the most spectacular opal I have ever personally seen, the depth of colour in that crystal is just mind-blowing. I don't doubt that there's better solid opal out there, but I haven't seen it with my own eyes. I wish I had more video of the doublets, but we had those about 15 years ago, so all the footage I have is really poor quality. Thankfully I got some decent still photos. Thanks for commenting!

[@AO-lq9dq]

Would have love to see some older doublets, but the video was tremendous! CAn't wait to start making my own doublets soon :D

[@CuriosityMine]

Thank you! I’m hoping to do some videos about vintage opal jewellery and settings at some point in the future, I’m sure there’ll be some older doublets and other specimens to look at then 😁

[@SirRocksAlot]

Thanks for all the history and education, Happy New Year

[@CuriosityMine]

You’re very welcome! Thank you for watching and supporting. Have a fantastic 2022!

[@elbybrook9466]

You changed my mind about doublet and triplets.

[@CuriosityMine]

Doublets and triplets are great as long as you know they’re doublets and triplets. Thanks for watching! 😁

[@alan1340]

An educational and informative video clip, well presented and top line narration. Keep it going guys, you have nailed it.

[@CuriosityMine]

Thanks so much Alan, really appreciate the feedback. 😁

[@thedinomaniacs]

Great explanation. Now I understand - never to old to learn. Thanks Russ 🦖

[@CuriosityMine]

Always happy to help, I’m glad you enjoyed it! 😁

[@berylbattrick1246]

MARVELLOUS, WONDERFUL INFO, ON THE VERGE OF A TRIPLET OVER WHITE OPAL, IN DOUBT, BECAUSE OF COLOUR WORK, AND PRICE, A BIG THANK YO0U, GREAT DOCUMENTATION,

[@kennethnew3075]

Thanks for the clear information. Nice opals. Happy New Year. Much success to you in the future.

[@CuriosityMine]

Thank you so much. Have a fantastic 2022! 😁

[@anasevi9456]

superb explanation as always. Russell or Guest it really is spot on. Happy new years!

[@CuriosityMine]

Thank you thank you! Happy New Year to you also! 😁

[@DATONALKY]

Solid upload 👌 😉

[@CuriosityMine]

Thank you sir! Much appreciated 😁

[@Suziferer]

Thanks I am coming to Australia soon and its good to know what's what..

[@CuriosityMine]

Absolutely - I hope you have a wonderful visit to Australia!

[@perseoeridano4182]

👏🏻👏🏻

[@CuriosityMine]

Thank you thank you! 😁

[@sergeantsweat]

The old BMX track used to reveal a few gems on the berm after rain back in the day, go the #ridgekids

[@CuriosityMine]

I miss the old BMX track, unfortunately long gone now. Thanks for the comment! 😁

[@TT-dx4ez]

What about a double sided doublet? or is that more likely to be 2 similar colour bars on the same potch?

[@CuriosityMine]

That’s an interesting concept, for sure. I can’t say I’ve ever seen it done, but I’d almost guarantee you someone has tried it. Double-sided opals gave always been popular for pendants, because single sided stones obviously only have one side (the clue is in the name), so a double-sided doublet would work well in a pendant. As a loose stone it would be odd, though. Thanks for watching and commenting! 😁👍

[@TT-dx4ez]

@@CuriosityMine Im trying to figure out what kind of opal I have as its very black but double sided. Set in a pendant so I cant see the sides.