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Home > Amethyst > 7 Ways to Tell if amethyst is Real

7 Ways to Tell if amethyst is Real

Materials such as Glass, Cubic Zirconia, plastic, and lab-created quartz are sometimes utilized to mimic natural amethyst. It's recommended to buy 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 amethyst.

1. Check Product Name

Most crystal clusters sold under the name "Purple Phantom Quartz" in the current market are not genuine Amethyst clusters, but lab-created quartz crystals.

2. Check Crystal Habit

Natural: Natural Amethyst clusters typically vary in size and shape.
Lab-created: Lab-created quartz clusters typically exhibit highly uniform sizes and shapes (crown-like form). Upon observation, numerous tiny crystals and some minute powdered materials are often visible around the prism faces and the base.

3. Check the Color

Real: Real Amethyst may exhibit color zoning. Color zoning refers to the uneven distribution of color within a stone.
Fake: Fake Amethyst may have a more consistent and uniform color.

4. Check Rainbow Effect

Real: Real faceted Amethyst does not display a rainbow effect.
Fake: When you rotate fake Amethyst crafted from faceted cubic zirconia in the light, it will give off a noticeable rainbow of colored light.

5. Hardness Test

Real: Real Amethyst cannot be scratched by a steel nail. After a period of use, real Amethyst typically doesn't exhibit noticeable wear.
Fake: Fake Amethyst made from glass or plastic 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.

6. Touch Test

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

7. Inspect the Inclusions

Real: Real Amethyst often contains natural inclusions, such as tiny mineral crystals or internal fractures.
Fake: Fake Amethyst is more likely to be free of such inclusions. Gas bubbles, or even swirl marks may be observed in glass-made fakes.
Amethyst
Amethyst
A species of Quartz, also known as Spirit Quartz
Scientific name: Amethyst
Mineral: Quartz
Description
Description
This brilliantly violet variety of quartz is one of the most easily recognizable of gemstones. The amethyst is the birthstone of those born in February, and gets its name from Ancient Greek, in reference to a belief that this stone would protect its wearer from becoming too drunk.
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