How To Tell If A Gemstone Is Real - A Complete Guide

Not every gemstone that shines bright carries the virtue and sparkle of nature. Some stones are birthed in labs under high-temperature and machinery, adding physical characterstics same as the real gemstones. In the huge world of gemstones, these barriers often become invisible to the unaided eye. Knowing the difference enables better selection between the two and significant usage. This blog walks you through the simplest techniques and methods to identify real gemstones. But before that, let's find out why it is important to define gemstones' authenticity and differentiate them from the rest of the stones.

Why Is It Hard to Tell Real Gemstones from Fake Ones?

Almost all the synthetic gemstones or artificial glass crystals are made to fit into the place where real gemstones are unavailable or expensive. With advanced treatments, polishing, and lightening effects, there is no physical factor left untouched to imitate. Fake stones are almost similar with a very few or almost no visible difference to the natural ones. They look so similar, perfect, and conditioned that it may surpass the original beauty. Therefore, it has become extremely necessary to undergo certain tests to check the authenticity of any gemstone and identify its traits. This also helps in making the right purchase and prevents the risk of getting trapped with fake gemstones.

Understanding Gemstone Types: Natural, Genuine, Synthetic, and Simulated

Natural Gemstone

A natural gemstone is an extremely precious crystal born under the lap of Mother Earth after undergoing extreme pressure and temperature changes. They carry the birthmarks of nature in the form of stretches, textured appearance, and illusions. This makes them beautiful, rare, and resilient in comparison to other stones. 

Genuine Gemstone

The category of genuine gemstones contains real stones but not necessarily the higher range of gemstones. It might comprise stones that are treated or modified to enhance their value.

Synthetic Gemstone

Synthetic gemstones are produced in industries to structure them same as original gemstones. They carry the same characteristics, colour zoning, and cutting edges as natural gemstones but vary in astrological significance. 

Simulated or Imitation Gemstone

These varieties of gemstones are usually made up of plastic or glass material used for crafting imitation jewellery and accessories. But unlike synthetic gemstones, stimulants do not mortify the chemical properties of natural gemstones.

Are Dyed or Treated Gemstones Considered Real?

Dyed or treated gemstones are low-grade real crystals that are modified and refined in labs to enhance their appearance and illusions. This method is widely used to strengthen weak or pale gemstones and hide their imperfections. A few common examples of dyed gemstones include crystals like Jade, quartz and agate.

How to Tell if a Gemstone Is Real - 7 Tests You Can Do at Home

While professional testing gives an accurate result, these 7 simple home tests prevent potential red flags and enable a safer experience. 

Check the Price

A price that sounds too unreal to be true might be a strong indicator of duplicity. Always go ahead with purchasing stones with standard pricing, and compare the market rates before the final purchase. While studying the price, do consider the grade of gemstone. For example an aquamarine bracelet of A grade could cost around $9 whereas another aquamarine bracelet of AAA grade could cost even $55. While aquamarines in both bracelets would be 100% natural, the color, cut and clarity could change the price significantly. 

How Much Do Real Gemstones Cost?

An authentic gemstone is usually priced higher than a glass or resin stone. The actual cost of an individual gemstone depends upon a lot of factors, including origin, type, extraction method, and quality. However, in a simple assessment of cost, real gemstones are far more expensive than the artificial ones.

Read the Product Description Carefully

Before making any gemstone purchase, read the label carefully. Search for words like natural, genuine, synthetic, dyed, manmade, and others. Check the source e of origin, mining location and verify it with an internet source to attain a clear understanding. One of the best methods to buy gemstones from a wholesale gemstone jewellery supplier. Someone who can offer you trust in affordable pockets. 

Examine the Colour and Appearance

The flaws of a gemstone perfectly represent the resilient beauty of nature. Textured colour, uneven edges, and growth lines are considered birthmarks. Real gemstones have flaws and imperfections that define their depth and characteristics. The blue beauty of sapphire comes in different shades, textures, and illusions, making g it one of the rarest gemstones. It is the colour zoning, imperfect edges, and illusion that distinguish real gemstones from artificial ones. 

Look for Inclusions with a Loupe or Magnifying Glass

A close analysis of gemstones helps in understanding their source and formation traits. A pure stone formed from volcanic transmission contains visible geological inclusions in the form of small mineral crystals, growth marks, and air bubbles. Using a magnifying glass or jeweller's loupe, one can easily find the difference between two stones.

How to Use a Jeweller's Loupe to Check a Gemstone?

Keep the jeweller's loupe close against your eye and hold the gemstone very near to the loupe. Ensure proper lighting surrounding the area. Pay keen focus in overseeing the surface of the 

 stone, look for visible cracks, lines, and small air bubbles. If present, the gemstone clearly indicates the testament of its formation. 

Test the Temperature

Unlike the imitation stones, natural gemstones don't soak into warmth easily. In fact, they welcome you with an earthy coldness that defines their depth. Analysing the temperature of a gemstone plays a major role in finding its authenticity. Keep the stone in your hand and press it over your cheeks. If it warms up easily, than their are higher chances that it might not be a real gemstone. A natural gemstone will take a few minutes before indulging in the warmth abide to its true nature.

The Fog Test: How to Tell Gemstone vs Glass?

Conducting a fog test enables easy examination of a gemstone's value. When you breathe over the surface of a natural gemstone, the moisture disappears quickly, almost instantly, due to its dense thermal conductivity. While other stones made up of glass or resin inhibit the slow absorption of moisture, giving a clear picture. 

Why Do Real Gemstones Feel Cold to the Touch?

A natural gemstone like quartz, amethyst, or lazuli generally has a tightly packed atomic structure and high density that enables slower absorption of heat in comparison to artificial and glass stones. This is the primary reason behind their low sensory illusion.

Test the Hardness Using the Mohs Scale

The Mohs scale is a quality testing method that tests the hardness of a gemstone in resistance to scratching. For a take, the crystal of amethyst rates 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Hence, every gemstone has a different scale that determine their hardness. Precious stones like diamonds and sapphire scale around 10, making them one of the hardest gemstones in the world. 

Check the Weight

The rigorous formation process of gemstones involving heat and temperature adds density and volume to them. Hence, real gemstones are denser and weights heavier in comparison to artificial crystal stones.

A simple process to compare the gemstone weight at home involves keeping both stones in your palms at equal distance and height. The one that feels heavier and denser is generally a real stone because artificial gemstones are very lightweight in comparison to the natural ones. However, weight alone is not a standard benchmark that defines the authenticity of any gemstone. One should always consider other factors like illusion, cuts, and characteristics before finding a conclusion.

How to Buy Authentic Gemstones: Tips for Buyers

From beginner to seasoned expert, every individual must understand these four factors to ensure the authenticity of gemstones for a safe buying experience. 

• Examine the gemstone carefully: Pay close attention to the crystal or stone while buying gemstones. A very perfect stone with a polished appearance clearly smells of treatments and polishing.

• Too economical, too inferior: Always go for standard market rates instead of highly discounted prices. A cheaply priced gemstone is a large-scale indicator of duplicity.  

• Buy from a Reputable Seller: Consider a trusted gemstone supplier for sourcing high-quality gemstones at a very affordable price range. The best way is to go for a bulk gemstone supplier with an effective background and experience in selling gemstone jewellery. 

• Request certifications and documentation: Check for quality certification and lab-test documentation to verify the source and origin. Cross-check the certification for the GCC mark or any other standard qualification. 

How to Identify Genuine Gemstone Beads When Shopping Online?

There are various challenges associated with the online purchase of gemstone beads and gemstone bracelets. To ease this, ask for high-quality close-up pictures of the stone, read the description very carefully, verify the source of origin, compare prices, and most importantly, ask for certifications. A little extra care helps you find the most beautiful authentic gemstone in the comfort of your windows. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you tell if a gemstone is real or fake?

A careful assessment of a few basic characteristics of gemstones can help you figure out whether a gemstone is fake or real. Examine the cut, colour, and quality of gemstones and compare their price with the standard market value to identify the authenticity of the stone. 

How can you tell if a stone is real without tools?

One can determine the originality of the gemstones by running a few simple testing methods that require an assessment of colour, cut, quality, and price of the gemstones without going for heavy tools and tests. 

What does a genuine gemstone mean?

A genuine gemstone is a precious stone that is formed under the earth’s surface as a result of tectonic transformation. It comprises the natural energies of the five power sources and the beauty of nature’s craftsmanship. 

Are synthetic gemstones real gemstones?

No, synthetic gemstones are not real gemstones. They are crystals produced in industries using machines to give them the same appearance, illusion, and structure as the real gemstones. 

What is the easiest way to tell if a gem is real?

The easiest and simplest manner to identify whether a gemstone is real or fake is by checking its colour, cut, and clarity. An original gemstone doesn't have a precise cut or texture; it has uneven cuts, shape, and colour, representing nature’s perfect beauty most imperfectly. 

Are dyed gemstones considered real or fake?

A dyed gemstone is generally a real crystal with a dull appearance that is modified using colour dyes to make it appear vibrant and add value to it. 

How do I know if I am buying authentic gemstone beads?

The best way to secure your gemstone purchase is by asking your supplier for an authenticity certificate and lab-test results. This simple hack will help you prevent the higher risks of fraud and duplicity.