How to Spot a fake Stone

Gemstone crystals are created from the earth some even subjected to immense amounts of pressure to form their crystalline structure. Certain chemical impurities from the earth, radiation and solar emissions will determine their appearance within that structure.  Depending on origin and type, each crystal formation is unique and created over eons within the earth's mantle (crust). There are a few man-made genuine crystals such as Opalite, and Organite come to mind, and this should always be stated as so when you are looking at buying crystals. In more recent years, it common to enhance the colour in some crystals but again, this should be stated and identified when purchasing, and should also be passed on to future buyers.

A fake crystal can be anything from glass to another type of stone which can be dyed or chemically altered to take the form or appearance of another certain type of crystal - this is usually a more rare stone, or one that is trending and in high demand. True stones will always feel cool to touch even on a very hot day. Calcite stones in particular should feel waxy. The weight of a crystal is always a telling sign as crystals are much heavier in portion to the size you are holding, you can usually tell the weight next to a glass imposter. A glassy feel and look is a telling sign of a fake - if you have seen blown glass ornaments or played marbles as a child, you might remember the tiny bubbles trapped inside the glass. Genuine crystals will always be softer in colour, if your stones seem too bright chances are it has been enhanced, or worse case it is not authentic. Several years ago when first entering the world of wholesale and bulk purchasing from overseas, I learnt the hard way - one of the trickest ways an unscrupulous dealer will peddle fake crystals is for example: white howlite can very easily take on the same identity as turquoise when dyed. This is especially easy to identify with lighter colour crystals like clear quartz, smokey quartz, rose quartz and amethyst are often replicated. When the symmetry is too perfect and even on each side, it's another telling sign it's likely to be fake. Just like humans, we have unique flaws and shapes that make us individual, crystals are the same with random bumps and chips, making them the real deal.