Sofia Martinez
Gemstones are natural minerals or stones that have been cut and polished to enhance their beauty. They are cherished for their beauty, rarity, and symbolism, and can be a great investment. However, the gemstone market is filled with synthetic, lab-created, and imitation stones, so it's important to be able to distinguish real stones from plastic fakes. While only a jeweler can identify a gemstone with 100% certainty, there are some methods you can use to tell if a gemstone is real. For example, you can breathe on the stone—if it takes longer than 2-3 seconds to clear up, it's likely a fake. Another easy method is the temperature test: place the stone in sunlight or white water, or blow warm air from a hairdryer at it. A real gemstone will maintain a constant temperature, while the fake material will warm up.
Characteristics to Distinguish Real Stones from Plastic/Fake Gemstones
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price | Real gemstones are rare and expensive, whereas fake gemstones are attractively priced. |
| Appearance | Real gemstones may have inclusions or blemishes, while fake gemstones may appear too perfect. |
| Weight | Gemstones have varying weights depending on their specific gravity. |
| Hardness | Real gemstones are hard and can be measured on the Mohs scale. |
| Heat | Real gemstones do not change temperature when exposed to sunlight or warm air, unlike fake stones which warm up. |
| Light | Real gemstones reflect light differently from fake stones. Fake stones may refract and disperse light into several colors. |
| Moisture | Real gemstones are good conductors of heat and can accelerate the evaporation of moisture. |
| Density | The density of a gemstone is related to its specific gravity and can be used to identify the type of mineral it is made of. |
| Color | The hue and saturation of a gemstone refer to its dominant color and the intensity of that color. |
| Transparency | Transparency affects the visual appeal of a gemstone. |
| Luster and Fire | Luster refers to how a stone reflects light, while fire refers to the dispersion of light when it enters the stone. |
| Expert Opinion | A gemologist or a gemstone expert can examine a gemstone to determine its authenticity. |
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What You'll Learn
Use a refractometer to test weight and hardness
To determine whether a gemstone is real or artificial, a refractometer can be used to measure its refractive index, which helps determine its type. A refractometer will also provide the gemstone's light-bending properties.
The refractometer will accurately determine the weight and hardness value of the stone, which will indicate whether it is real or man-made. Each mineral has a certain hardness, and this parameter is described by the 10-step Mohs scale, with diamonds occupying the highest place at 10. The hardness of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and other gemstones can be determined using the Mohs table and the readings from a handheld meter.
The refractometer can be used in conjunction with RI fluid to measure the gemstone's refractive index. This is a valuable tool for identifying gemstones as it can help to narrow down the options.
It is important to note that the use of a refractometer to test gemstones should be performed by experienced professionals to ensure accurate results.
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Check for unusual pricing
When it comes to identifying genuine stones, pricing can be a crucial factor. Unusual or inconsistent pricing could be a red flag, indicating that the stones might not be authentic. Here are some tips to consider when evaluating the pricing of stones:
- Market Value: Research the current market value of the specific type of stone you're interested in. Consider the quality, size, colour, and any other factors that might influence the price. If the stones are significantly cheaper or more expensive than similar options on the market, this could be a cause for concern.
- Consistency: Look for consistency in pricing across similar stones. If you notice a significant price variation within the same batch or collection, it could indicate a mixture of real and fake stones. Consistency in pricing doesn't guarantee authenticity, but a lack of consistency could be a warning sign.
- Scarcity and Rarity: Consider the scarcity and rarity of the stones in question. If the stones are rare and the seller claims they are particularly unique or special, the pricing should reflect that. Be cautious if the seller tries to justify a higher price based on rarity without providing sufficient evidence or if the price seems too good to be true for a supposedly rare stone.
- Weight and Size: Evaluate the pricing in relation to the size and weight of the stones. Larger and heavier stones are typically more valuable, assuming they are of similar quality. Be cautious if the pricing seems unusually low for the size of the stone, as this could indicate the use of lighter plastic materials.
- Certified Appraisal: Consider getting a certified appraisal for high-value purchases. A gemologist or a reputable jewellery appraiser can assess the stones and provide an unbiased opinion on their value. This can help you confirm whether the pricing is in line with the expected range for similar stones.
- Compare Retailers: If you're purchasing stones online or from a retailer, compare prices across different websites and stores. While prices shouldn't be your only deciding factor, a significant deviation from the standard price range among reputable sellers could be indicative of potential issues, including the possibility of fake stones.
Remember, pricing is just one aspect of evaluating the authenticity of stones, and it should be considered in conjunction with other tests and examinations. Unusual pricing doesn't always mean the stones are fake, but it's a factor that deserves your attention and further investigation.
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Observe the stone's density, weight, and specific gravity
To tell real stones from plastic ones, observing the stones' density, weight, and specific gravity can be very helpful. Density refers to how much mass an object has per unit of volume. In simpler terms, it can be thought of as the "compactness" of an item. For instance, vegetable oil is less dense than vinegar, which is why oil floats on vinegar. Gemstones are typically 2 to 4 times denser than water, but the range is actually broader.
Specific gravity is the ratio expressing the weight of a given material compared to that of an equal volume of water at 4°C. So, a specific gravity of 3 means that one cubic centimetre of the material weighs three times as much as one cubic centimetre of water at that temperature. Specific gravity is a useful tool for distinguishing between similar-looking stones and detecting imitations. Each gemstone type has a consistent SG value range.
There are several methods to determine the density and specific gravity of a stone. One method is to use a liquid such as water or toluene. The stone is first weighed in air and then weighed again when suspended in the liquid. If the stone sinks, its density is greater than that of the liquid; if it floats, its density is less. The specific gravity can be calculated using the formula: Specific Gravity = (Weight of item in air / Weight of item in water). This can then be cross-referenced with known SG values for different materials.
Another method is to use a mixture of liquids with a particular density value, such as a mixture of bromoform and toluene. The stone is dropped into the liquid, and its behaviour indicates its relative density compared to the liquid. If it sinks, its density is greater than that of the liquid; if it floats, its density is less; and if it remains suspended, its density is the same as the liquid.
Additionally, the density and specific gravity of a stone can affect its appearance and feel. Heavier stones with higher specific gravity will feel denser and more compact, even when they appear smaller. This can be useful for identifying stones that may be similar in appearance but differ in density, such as spinel and ruby.
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Understand the stone's optical properties, such as its luster and fire
Luster is a physical property used to differentiate precious stones and minerals. It describes how light interacts with the surface and structure of a crystal, rock, or mineral. Luster is derived from the Latin word 'lux', meaning light, and generally implies radiance, gloss, or brilliance.
There are two main types of luster: metallic and non-metallic. Metallic luster is a term not usually used for gemstones, except in the case of hematite, which has a striking, metallic sheen. Gems with a non-metallic luster include quartz, which has a glassy or vitreous luster, and diamond, which has an adamantine luster.
Non-metallic luster can be further divided into several subtypes. Gems with a resinous luster include amber, sphalerite, and cinnabar. Gems with a greasy luster, which seems to have a layer of oil or fat on its surface, include graphite and green serpentine. Gems with a silky luster, which show fine parallel threads that look like the texture of fabric, include ulexite, also known as the "TV Stone".
Minerals with a true adamantine luster, which is a superlative form of luster, are uncommon and include cerussite, zircon, and cubic zirconia. Minerals with a lesser degree of luster are referred to as subadamantine and include garnet and corundum.
Transparency is another important optical property of stones, defined as the amount of light that can pass through a stone. There are three degrees: transparent, which allows light to pass through; translucent, which lets some light pass; and opaque, which does not allow any light to pass through. Transparency can be easily assessed by holding the gem in strong light and visually evaluating how much light passes through.
The light reflecting off the inner structures of a stone results in its fire or sparkle. Diamonds have the greatest fire of all natural gems. The refractive index of a gemstone, which is related to the speed of light, determines its brilliance.
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Take the stone to a jeweller or gemologist
While there are some simple tests that can be performed at home to determine whether a gemstone is real or fake, the best way to determine the authenticity of a gem is to get it checked by a local jeweller or gemologist. These professionals are highly trained to understand the small nuances that distinguish a real stone from a fake one and will therefore be able to guarantee your stone's authenticity.
A professional gemologist or gem lab should be hired when dealing with valuable or complex gemstones. Gemologists utilise a range of gem identification methods to determine a gemstone's authenticity, including visual inspections, microscope inspections, and advanced gemology equipment.
During a visual inspection, a gemologist will use their trained eyes to examine the gemstone's colour, clarity, and overall appearance to identify specific characteristics unique to the gem. They may also use a jeweller's loupe—a small portable magnifying glass—to aid in this process.
Gemstones have specific refractive indexes, which can be measured using specialised tools. By comparing the results to known values, gemologists can help identify the type of gemstone. Determining the gemstone's density and comparing it to known values for certain materials can also assist in authentication.
In summary, while some basic gemstone tests can be performed at home, consulting a professional gemologist or jeweller is necessary for accurate identification.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to tell if a gemstone is real is to get it checked by a professional jeweler. However, there are some tests you can perform at home, such as the temperature test, which involves placing the stone in sunlight or white water, or directing warm air from a hairdryer at the stone. A real gemstone will maintain a constant temperature, while a fake stone will warm up.
Other ways to identify a real gemstone include:
- Checking its hardness using the Mohs scale.
- Examining its physical properties, such as density, weight, and specific gravity.
- Inspecting its optical properties, such as luster (how the stone reflects light) and fire (how light disperses when it enters the stone).
- Looking for inclusions or blemishes, as real gemstones usually have some imperfections.
To avoid buying fake gemstones, it is important to research the seller and read reviews. You should also be cautious if the price is unusually low compared to the market value. If in doubt, you can always consult a gemologist or a gemstone expert for a small fee.
