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Home > Agate > 6 Ways to Tell if agate is Real

6 Ways to Tell if agate is Real

Materials such as Glass, Dyed Quartzite, Calcite, and plastic are commonly utilized to mimic agate. It is advisable to purchase from reputable retailers and, if possible, request a certificate from a gem testing laboratory for authentication. Here are some handy tips to help you initially discern the authenticity of agate.

1. Check the Color

Real: Real Agates display soft, natural hues, including white, grayish-white, beige, light-yellow, gentle orange, and shades ranging from light to dark brown, as well as reddish-brown.
Fake: Fake Agates made from dyed quartzite are often dyed vibrant neon colors, such as bright pink, neon blue, and vivid yellow. Upon careful observation under light, you will notice that dyed quartzite shows dye concentrations in fractures.

2. Hardness Test

Real: Real Agates cannot be scratched by a steel nail. After a period of use, real Agate typically doesn't exhibit noticeable wear.
Fake: Fake Agates made from glass, plastic, or calcite can be scratched by a steel nail. After a period of use, these low-hardness fakes will show obvious wear and gradually lose their original luster.

3. Touch Test

Real: Real Agates feel cold to the touch.
Fake: Plastic-made fakes feel warm to the touch.

4. Inspect the Inclusions

Real: Real Agates often contain no round bubbles or swirl marks.
Fake: Sometimes gas bubbles, or even swirl marks may be observed in glass-made fakes.

5. Acid Test

Real: No visible reaction will happen when hydrochloric acid or white vinegar is dropped on real Agates.
Fake: Calcite-made fakes exhibit fizzing or effervescence when exposed to hydrochloric acid or white vinegar.

6. Acetone Test

Real: Rubbing the real Agate with nail polish remover (acetone/ethyl alcohol) won't cause the stone to fade.
Fake: Swabbing the dyed fakes with a Q-tip and some nail polish remover (acetone/ethyl alcohol) might cause the stone to fade. This method may not be effective for some dyed fakes with better colorfastness.
Agate
Agate
A species of Chalcedony, also known as Chalcedony, Oriental Agate
Scientific name: Agate
Mineral Variety: Chalcedony
Description
Description
An ornamental stone since antiquity, agate has been found in a variety of ancient Greek contexts, such as for Mycenaean jewelry and warriors' seal stones. Because it is hardy, often spectacularly colored, and polishes to a high shine, it has long been valued for decorative purposes. It is formed in alternating layers that produce the distinctive banding effect, of which there are many varieties worldwide.
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