Opals are among the most captivating gems on earth, flashing every colour of the rainbow from a single stone. They are also a little more delicate than sapphires or diamonds, so a little care keeps them looking their best for a lifetime. Here is how to care for your opal.
Why opals need special care
Opal is softer than many gemstones (around 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale) and contains a small amount of natural water. This is part of what gives opal its magical play-of-colour — but it also means opals can be scratched more easily than harder stones, and they do not like sudden changes in temperature or very dry conditions.
Everyday wear
- Put your opal jewellery on after applying perfume, hairspray, moisturiser and makeup.
- Remove opal rings for gardening, cleaning, sport or any heavy work where they could be knocked or scratched.
- Opal rings are beautiful for special occasions; for daily-wear rings, a protective setting helps shield the stone.
Cleaning your opal
Clean opals gently with a soft, damp cloth and mild soapy water, then dry carefully. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, harsh chemicals and prolonged soaking — these can damage the stone, especially doublets and triplets.
Storing your opal
Store opals separately from harder gems (such as sapphires and diamonds) so they are not scratched. Keep them away from extreme heat and very dry environments. For solid natural opals stored for long periods, a little ambient humidity is kinder than bone-dry conditions.
Solid, doublet or triplet?
Solid opals are the most durable and can handle gentle moisture. Doublets and triplets (thin opal layers bonded to a backing) should never be soaked, as water can seep between the layers. If you are unsure what you have, our FGAA-qualified gemmologist can tell you.
Common questions
Can I wear my opal every day?
You can, provided you wear it mindfully. Opal sits around 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, so everyday grit can mark the surface, and a protective setting makes a real difference on a ring worn daily. <a href="/blogs/news/can-you-wear-opal-every-day">Opal for everyday wear</a> sets out settings, habits and the engagement-ring question in full; <a href="/collections/australian-opal-earrings">opal earrings</a> and pendants sit clear of most knocks and ask least of the stone.
Can opals get wet?
Solid natural opals tolerate brief contact with water — washing your hands, a splash — but should not be soaked. Doublets and triplets are thin opal layers bonded to a backing, and water can seep between those layers, so keep them dry. If you are unsure which you have, ask before you rinse anything.
How should I clean an opal at home?
A soft, damp cloth with mild soapy water, then dry carefully. That is the whole method. Never use an ultrasonic or steam cleaner on opal, and avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged soaking. If a gentle clean does not bring the play-of-colour back, the surface may carry fine scratches — have a gemmologist look at it before trying anything abrasive.
How should I store opal jewellery?
A soft pouch or a lined compartment, kept apart from harder gems such as sapphires and diamonds, which will scratch opal. Avoid anywhere the temperature swings quickly — a car glovebox, a sunny windowsill — since it is sudden change rather than heat itself that opal dislikes. The storing section above covers keeping a piece for long periods.
Does a doublet or triplet need different care from a solid opal?
A solid opal is one natural piece. A doublet is a slice of opal bonded to a dark backing, and a triplet adds a clear cap over that. Doublets and triplets are not fakes, but they must be disclosed, and they are more vulnerable to water and long immersion than solid opal. If you are not sure what you own, our FGAA-qualified gemmologist can tell you — free lifetime re-authentication is part of <a href="/pages/our-guarantee">our guarantee</a>.
Why has my opal lost its shine?
Usually it just needs a gentle clean, or the surface may have fine scratches. Bring it to a gemmologist for advice before trying anything abrasive.
Sources and further reading
- GIA Gem Encyclopedia — Gemological Institute of America
- Opal Description — GIA Gem Encyclopedia — Gemological Institute of America
- Opal Quality Factors — GIA — Gemological Institute of America
These are independent gemmological authorities, cited so our statements can be checked against them. Ministry of Gems® is not affiliated with these organisations. Checked August 2026.