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Home > Black Tourmaline > 6 Ways to Tell if black Tourmaline is Real

6 Ways to Tell if black Tourmaline is Real

Black Tourmaline is occasionally imitated using materials such as Glass, Kyanite, or plastic. It is wise to buy from reputable retailers and, if feasible, request a certificate from a gem testing laboratory. Here are some handy tips to help you initially discern the authenticity of black Tourmaline.

1. Check Natural Imperfections

Real: Real Black Tourmaline often comes with obvious imperfections, including fractures and inclusions.
Fake: Fake pieces made from plastic or glass tend to have a flawless appearance.

2. Check for Seams or Bubbles

Inspect the stone closely. If you notice any signs like seams or bubbles typical of factory molding, it is likely made of plastic or other man-made materials.

3. Check Crystal Habit

Real: Real Black Tourmaline are typically long and prismatic, often with ridges that run along the length of the crystal. The terminations are usually blunt and triangular.
Fake: Black Kyanite typically forms in bladed crystal formations. It looks somewhat like a fan or an arrowhead.

4. Touch Test

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

5. Weigh in the hand

Real: The density of plastic is much lower than that of Black Tourmaline. When held in the hand, plastic will feel noticeably light and airy in comparison.

6. Hardness Test

Real: Real Black Tourmaline cannot be scratched by a steel nail.
Fake: Fake Black Tourmaline made from glass or plastic can be scratched by a steel nail.
Black Tourmaline
Black Tourmaline
A species of Tourmaline Group, also known as Schorl, Cockle, Schorlite
Scientific name: Schorl
Mineral Group: Tourmaline Group
Description
Description
Not to be confused with other onyx-colored gems, black Tourmaline is packed full of useful elements, making it so much more than a pretty rock. Although it is high in lithium, aluminum, and iron, it is still most commonly used as a semi-precious gemstone and isn't mined for industrial purposes.
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