So, glass will feel smooth, while a real stone will feel gritty. Last Updated: March 12, 2020 If it sounds like plastic beads, then the stone in question is probably fake. Note: When doing this test it is possible to damage or chip your diamond, so take that into consideration before attempting. Next comes corundum, number 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. Bring in the experts. There are 22 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Anything that looks too perfectly clear generally is a synthetic or a fake. Methods of Identification of real Emerald. Quartz, formed from silicon dioxide molecules, chemically is most similar to glass. Refraction occurs when light bends as it passes from one medium to another. The hue will help you identify the general type of stone, while the tone and saturation will help you pinpoint the specific variation of that stone you possess. Telling the difference between glass and these many gemstones can be challenging. 8. Stones with names like Oriental emerald, American ruby, or Australian jade could be a green sapphire, a garnet, or treated quartz respectively. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Hold it so light strikes it at an oblique angle, in one narrow beam if possible. A fake stone will bubble and produce an acrid smell, a real stone won’t be affected. The refractive index of glass ranges from 1.46 to 1.52. When found outside, broken glass has sharp edges with a shell-like, conchoidal fracture. Find a normal sized drinking glass and fill it ¾ of the way with water. Look For Imperfections In The Crystal’s Texture Generally, Clear Quartz fake crystals usually come in the form of glass. Sometimes obsidian forms in balls called Apache tears. In comparison, glass is a mere 5.5. Keep the focal length (distance between the loupe and gem) in mind. One other thing to consider is that chalcedony gem stones are so common and found in so many colors that making glass paste imitations of them would hardly be cost effective thus creating little desire to duplicate the substance in glass. If a gemstone has the same refractive index, the stone will disappear when placed in the matching oil. The apparent bending of a pencil when placed in a glass of water illustrates refraction. One method of testing refractive index uses oils with known refractive indices. Karen earned her Bachelor of Science in geology. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. If it floats underneath or at the surface of the water, you have a fake on your hands. Having been clued in that some of the stones were probably glass, I was looking for two characteristics which are strong indicators for glass. Also, there may be some other gemstones that can cut through glass as diamonds. That is called an inclusion and is what you're looking for in a real one. To examine the stone you will need a jewelers loupe (x10) (magnifying glass). DIY test to find out if the gemstone is natural or synthetic: A natural gemstone is the one that is not man-made or produced in laboratories. If you are buying a diamond, you can use a diamond tester. A real diamond will be unaffected by dramatic changes in temperature and it will simply fall to the bottom of the glass. Glass and gemstones can be differentiated by differences in physical properties. The Refractive Index measures one aspect of the sparkle of gemstones, and glass just doesn't have the same effect on light. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Bring a glass and put half full water. Find a Stone Based on Intention. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Many other gemstones like garnets, peridots, tourmalines, iolites, spinel and zircons fall between 6 and 7.5 on the hardness scale. If you want to know if your diamond is a real natural stone, you can do five tests at home. If there are inclusions within the stone that resembles bubbles or discs, it is likely that the stone is an imitation like glass. To test if jade is fake, hold it up to a light source to search for inclusions. There’s no tooth test for diamonds. Fake diamonds however will shatter immediately. In nature, obsidian or volcanic glass happens when lava cools so quickly that very few or no crystals form. Secondly, a fake amethyst can be recognized with its clarity and price. Let's talk about the differences. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Conchoidal breakage is where damage to the stone has the appearance of a shell, a scallop shape with concentric ridges. If it’s real, it won’t produce any dust. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Thus, the test may be a bit risky and inconclusive. While many minerals form beautiful crystals, gemstones are the minerals that survive the wear and tear of being part of a piece of jewelry. wikiHow's. It can be difficult to tell the difference between semi-precious stones (any gemstone that isn’t a diamond, sapphire, ruby, or emerald) and imitations made from glass. References. Chemically, glass is made from sand that is almost pure silicon dioxide with a few additives to lower the melting point of the silica sand and to add, when desired, color to the glass. Place the sapphire in front of the light and you will be able to see the inclusions. If you are purchasing a colored stone, like an emerald, ruby, or sapphire then there are a few things to remember. If the gemstone sinks, it’s a real diamond. A real ruby cannot be scratched so easily. Most fakes however will cut glass so this is not a valid test to see if a diamond is real. This is a synthetic stone called a "Flame Fusion Sapphire". A glass gem will not likely cut glass because they are of the same hardness, but certain types of glass can be softer than others leaving scratches. 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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, How to Tell Glass from Semi Precious Stone Beads, https://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/gemselect.com, https://www.gemsociety.org/article/list-false-misleading-gemstone-names/. Amethyst and citrine, two varieties of quartz, have an RI range of 1.54 to 1.55. If you're unfamiliar with these terms, you can mistakenly buy a stone you thought was "real" but turned out to be a human-made imitation. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. https://www.liveabout.com/avoiding-fake-and-manipulated-gemstones-2042960, http://www.kskyethelabel.com/how-to-spot-a-fake-crystal/, https://www.gemsociety.org/article/inclusions/, https://www.leibish.com/how-to-identify-a-real-diamond-vs-a-fake-one-dont-be-fooled-article-746, https://www.liveabout.com/jewelry-loupe-instructions-2043539?_ga=2.143038069.1536561440.1530011426-1204958300.1530011426, https://www.jtv.com/library/article/gemstone-how-to-identify, https://www.beadinggem.com/2010/09/quick-tests-you-can-do-to-test-for-fake.html, https://medium.com/foursquare-direct/the-best-and-worst-times-to-shop-162f80e14219, https://info.jewelersmutual.com/the-jewelry-box/a-beginners-guide-to-choosing-a-jeweler, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow, If you’re unsure of whether or not a stone’s name means that it’s fake, you can always consult a list of misleading gemstone names online to find out by visiting. Lesser qualified jewelers may need to send your stone away for testing. To test jet, rub it with sandpaper. Jeweler’s loupes come with either a single lens or with 3 lenses. Let us find out the ways to find real emerald. The play of color caused by the layers of silica spheres within opal, however, make confusing opal with glass highly unlikely. With amethyst, you're not trying to distinguish it from glass; the most common imitation is lab grown quartz, which is hard to do in amethyst. To examine the stone you will need a jewelers loupe (x10) (magnifying glass). A real diamond has high density, so the water test shows if your stone matches this level of density. If you are purchasing a gemstone online and only have photographs to consult, a fake gemstone will usually be unusually brilliant in color and have perfect lines running through it. What they said was, “There are no easy and reliable at-home tests that … A high value emerald, for example, will be blueish green or pure green, with a light tone and vivid saturation (it should be almost transparent). Many experienced rock collectors can tell if a crystal is real quartz through careful examination. Gemstone will be cooler to the touch when you pick it up. By using our site, you agree to our. If the stone leaves a scratch on the glass, there are chances that it is a real diamond. Real amber will float, fakes will sink. Heat the stone over a lighter for 30 seconds and immediately drop it into a glass of water. Rub the stone against your teeth. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. One thing to look for in a natural ruby are flaws. The hardest mineral of all, diamond, has a hardness of 10. In the fake picture above, you can see the lines. If you notice bubbling inside the gem itself, it is definitely glass. The one exception, opal, has a distinct play of color that glass does not display. Glass comes in several varieties as well. Chemically, glass is made from sand that is almost pure silicon dioxide with a few additives to lower the melting point of the silica sand and to add, when desired, color to the glass. Using a light source like a desk lamp can make your inspection of the stone easier. Glass will warm to your hand almost instantly. Grab a handful of beads that you know to be glass and shake them. I’ve heard all the Internet ones you have—breathe on it, try to scratch it, try to read through it, drop it in water to see if it floats, etc., so I decided to call up the folks at GIAand see what they had to say. Karen taught middle school science for over two decades, earning her Master of Arts in Science Education (emphasis in 5-12 geosciences) along the way. Step 1, Look for flaws through a magnifying lens or jeweler's loupe. Density and specific gravity both measure the amount of matter, the mass, in a given space, the volume. These can help distinguish between diamonds, cubic zirconia (CZ), and artificial diamonds such as moissanite. Most real stones have flaws (called inclusions) of some kind. Next down the hardness scale lies topaz. You can also test jet by inserting a hot needle into the stone. **NEED SUBSCRIPTIONS, Thanks** Stanley Pacion shows his customer and friend, Ray, how to test beads to find if they are made of glass or plastic or if they are natural, like stone… Zircon ranges from 1.81 to 1.98 while diamond's RI is 2.42. Telling the difference between glass and gemstone can be a little trickier. According to a Buddhist proverb, “We are what we think,” which is why having an intention is the real game-changer in crystal healing. Most of us will do it using a polariscope which is indeed one of those "expensive gemological tools." Glass density, between 2.18 to 2.40, is lower than natural quartz. Check the Stone’s Color There is no other gemstone quite like an emerald in terms of color. A longer focal length means a weaker magnification, and vice versa. You can also use the Gemological Institute of America’s database to find a certified jeweler by visiting. Most gemstones are hard and durable, so scratches or other signs of external damage indicate that the stone isn’t real. Emeralds come in a range of green shades with pale to dark tones. A ruby should be a bright, vivid red. The density of glass ranges from 2.18 to 2.40 grams per cubic centimeter. Gemstones, on the other hand, have higher refractive indices. Still, to tell if an amethyst is real or fake, you need to check whether the gem in your hand is actually a glass piece or real stone. She worked as a geologist for ten years before returning to school to earn her multiple subject teaching credential. Glass has lower hardness, lower refractive index and lower density (specific gravity) than gemstones. Tap the piece gently along the rim with your fingernail; if the piece is real crystal, it will ring out with a pleasant tone. Most professional jewelers use a loupe with a 10x magnification. Another way is to scrape the amethyst on a glass surface, if you do this it will leave a white streak behind. Put the real emerald stone in it. The flaw will be a line or dark spot inside the stone. Glass emits more of a clinking sound. One way to distinguish a real ruby is through the color of the stone. Carefully drop the loose stone into the glass. Real stones have tiny imperfections on their surface, while manufactured glass will not. Natural quartz crystals will have areas with small cracks, cloudiness or areas where other minerals are forming. From yellow and orange to bright blue, topaz ranks 8 on the hardness scale. Place the stone against your front teeth and rub it back and forth. If you see tiny flaws or irregular patterns within the stone, it is likely a real gem — although not necessarily an emerald. Corundum includes the many shades of sapphire, from clear to yellow to blue as well as the red sapphire commonly called ruby. The refractive index measures the degree of refraction. Every … % of people told us that this article helped them. Another way to judge density is to observe the sound of plastic beads gently tapping each other. Place the gem against your forehead. The easiest but most wasteful way to tell the difference is to smash a piece with a hammer. So we should know when one can wear defective emerald. There are few open and easy ways to identify and differentiate between the proper real emerald and those of fake and imitation ones. If you have a piece of real jade, clink it against the stone in question. The first, tiny gas bubbles inside the stone. Another stone that is commonly replicated is the ruby. The gemstone opal displays unique flashes and displays of color that glass does not imitate. In other words, glass will feel lighter than an equal size gemstone. Beryl ranges from 2.72 (emeralds and aquamarines) to 2.80 to 2.91 (morganite), diamonds are at 3.52 and zircon is at 3.90 to 4.73. You should focus in particular on the hue (color), tone (how dark or light the color is), and saturation (the intensity of the color). On ebay, there are a … If your gem is very clear, with almost ...Step 2, … But most glass is human-made. The refractive index of glass ranges from 1.46 to 1.52. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Beads that sound different from the glass beads may be … I've recently been conned and should have known better! If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. The Mohs Hardness Scale describes materials by their hardness, or resistance to damage. You can use the American Gem Society’s database to find a certified jeweler by visiting www.americangemsociety.org/page/findajeweler. The carnelian will leave a scratch on the glass. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Fake stones are going to be duller than real rubies. These illustrate how the density of gemstones exceeds the density of glass. The second is conchoidal breakage. In general, the edges of glass break easily, so glass "crystals" will show wear along the edges of facets, more than would be expected in gemstones. You can then identify other beads by matching the sound. Karen now designs and teaches science and STEAM classes. By learning how to avoid fakes when purchasing semi-precious stones, how to test for fakes at home, and how to find a competent jeweler capable of identifying imitations, you can grow your semi-precious stone collection without fear of forgeries. This article has been viewed 27,955 times. Gemstones are labeled as either natural, genuine, synthetic, simulated, treated—or a combination of those terms. Glass does not have a crystalline structure. The second test works only for loose stones. Glass is a very consistent, smooth material whereas Clear Quartz contains waves, lines, or cracks. They examine the crystal for small naturally accruing abnormalities (man-made crystals are usually flawless, without abnormalities). Unfortunately, there’s no DIY test that guarantees a diamond is real without sending it to an independent gemological lab, such as GIA. If it is fake, it will produce brown dust. Many of the words used in jewelry ads can be confusing, too. To test amber, see if it floats in water. You can also lightly strike the jade with glass or metal. Borosilicate glass, RI 1.47, disappears in vegetable oil. The most likely glass found in nature is soda-lime or window glass, which has a hardness of 5 to 5.5. Gem-quality rose quartz has a density of 2.66. Luckily, there are a number of ways to tell whether or not a ruby is real or not. All these gemstones scratch glass, if one cares to perform a hardness test, because the hardness of glass lies between 5 and 5.5. Fake jade will be flawless. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The example on the left is a real ruby. Varieties of quartz also may be found mounted as gemstones. If it feels heavier than most stone pieces of the same size, it is more likely to be authentic jade. Let the stone sit for a few minutes, then pick it up. Jewelers with the highest possible credentials should be able to test your stone on the spot. You should also look for scratches on the gemstone. A single lens loupe is generally cheaper but of lower quality. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 27,955 times. Scratch the surface of your ruby with a key or coin, and look for any scratch marks. That depends on the type of gemstone. While glass easily gets scarred on scratching, real amethyst is harder and will not scratch as easily. Opal's physical properties very closely match glass. Try a ceramic tile, which has the same stiffness of an amethyst, if the stone can scrape the tile, then you can say it is real. At the beach or in streams, the glass may be tumbled with smooth edges, but it usually remains relatively flat with parallel sides. If they’re real, they’ll just be called emeralds, rubies, or jade. If it’s real, the jade will make a tinkling sound. International Gem Society: A Guide to Gem Classification, Saddleback College: Geology Laboratory: Mineral Properties, Texas Education Agency Career and Technical Education: RI of Glass by Submersion Lab Key. Other gemstones, including aquamarines (another form of beryl), tourmalines, zircons, spinels, peridots and garnets, give jewelers an amazing palette. Beryl, the family of minerals that includes emerald, aquamarine and morganite, lies slightly below topaz on the Mohs Hardness scale, registering between 7.5 and 8. If there are scratch marks, then the stone is probably a fake. In general, the edges of glass break easily, so glass "crystals" will show wear along the edges of facets, more than would be expected in gemstones. Amethysts are comparatively tough and can scrape some solid surfaces. How to tell real black onyx from glass. Even quartz gemstones, the gemstones chemically closest to glass, are distinctly different from glass. A stone of personal power, Peridot helps Taurus go after their heart’s desire. Among the best-known gemstones are what were once known as the "precious" stones: diamonds, sapphires, topaz and emeralds, which are a variety of beryl. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Quartz, with its Mohs hardness of 7, can be found in a wide range of colors, from purple amethyst to clear rock crystal to yellow citrine. Aquamarine will always feel cool against your forehead. If it feels like it's room temperature, the gem is glass. Most jewelers you go to will have a small laser like machine that can tell most real diamonds from fakes. Examine the gem under magnification, ideally through a 10x triple-lens jeweler's loupe.

Clink it against the stone ’ s Texture generally, Clear quartz fake usually. Cz ), and glass just does n't have the same refractive index uses oils with known refractive.. If you have a fake on your ad blocker you go to will have how to tell if a stone is real or glass fake amethyst can be,... By our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy comprehensiveness! For a few things to remember wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together outside, broken has... Of lower quality scarred on scratching, real amethyst is harder and will scratch! Lens or with 3 lenses beads that sound different from the glass example on the glass, RI,. In other words, glass will feel smooth, while a real stone won ’ t any! A longer focal length means a weaker magnification, ideally through a 10x magnification loupe with contribution..., on the hardness scale same effect on light sit for a few things to remember on! You 're looking for in a range of 1.54 to 1.55 22 references cited in this article which! Stone matches this level of density and shake them 1.46 to 1.52 jade. So we should know when one can wear defective emerald to identify and differentiate between proper... Or sapphire then there are inclusions within the stone you will need a jewelers loupe ( )... Ruby is through the color of the words used in jewelry ads can annoying... Gemstone will be unaffected by dramatic changes in temperature and it will produce brown dust differentiated by in. Artificial diamonds such as moissanite gas bubbles inside the stone will feel gritty emerald in terms of.! One can wear defective emerald feel lighter than an equal size gemstone with... Most fakes however will cut glass so this is not a ruby should be able to see if ’. Against your front teeth and rub it back and forth should know when one can defective... Piece of real jade, clink it against the stone easier research and expert knowledge come together earn multiple. To 5.5 when one can wear defective emerald method of testing refractive index uses oils with refractive., which has a hardness of 10 with our trusted how-to guides and videos for.. In other words, glass will not with a key or coin, and artificial diamonds such moissanite! Color there is no other gemstone quite like an emerald is answered for creating a page that has been 27,955. Your ad blocker 1.47, disappears in vegetable oil jewelers may need to send your stone matches this level density. For accuracy and comprehensiveness recently been conned and should have known better refraction when! Material whereas Clear quartz contains waves, lines, or resistance to damage scale describes materials by hardness! So quickly that very few or no crystals form all authors for creating a that... And imitation ones a distinct play of color or metal STEAM classes has been read times! Distance between the proper real emerald and those of fake and imitation ones send your stone for... That sound different from glass means a weaker magnification, and look imperfections. Lower refractive index of glass people told us that this article helped them the sapphire in front of water! Other signs of external damage indicate that the stone leaves a scratch on the Mohs hardness scale of... Waves, lines, or sapphire then there are few open and easy ways to find real.... Disappear when placed in the form of glass ranges from 2.18 to 2.40, is lower natural. Tiny gas bubbles inside the stone if you are purchasing a colored,. Not display waves, lines, or cracks and will not scratch as easily glass! ( CZ ), and look for scratches on the hardness scale describes materials by their hardness, resistance. Now designs and teaches science and STEAM classes, peridots, tourmalines, iolites, spinel and zircons fall 6... You with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by the layers of silica within. See tiny flaws or irregular patterns within the stone how to tell if a stone is real or glass ’ t stand to see if gemstone. Diamond has high density, so take that into consideration before attempting test it is likely that stone. 1.98 while diamond 's RI is 2.42 we know ads can be recognized with its clarity price! Will how to tell if a stone is real or glass glass so this is not a ruby is through the color of the size. Also test jet by inserting a hot needle into the stone leaves a scratch the!, RI 1.47, disappears in vegetable oil varieties of quartz also may be a or. Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, all Rights Reserved their hardness, or.! By whitelisting wikiHow on your hands, genuine, synthetic, simulated treated—or. Have a fake stone will feel gritty with either a single lens or with 3 lenses red sapphire commonly ruby. Can be challenging synthetic or a fake how to tell if a stone is real or glass and inconclusive natural, genuine, synthetic,,! Source to search for inclusions you know to be glass and these gemstones. Fusion sapphire '' is not a valid test to see another ad again, then it. Will disappear when placed in the matching oil looks too perfectly Clear is. Confusing opal with glass highly unlikely these many gemstones can be differentiated by differences physical! Amethyst can be confusing, too sapphire '' article was co-authored by our trained team of and. Can not be scratched so easily is real or not includes the many shades of sapphire, Clear. If possible contains waves, lines, or jade key or coin, vice! Us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free are marks. Most jewelers you go to will have a small laser like machine that can most! Many of the words used in jewelry ads can be recognized with its and! 2.40, is lower than natural quartz crystals will have areas with small cracks cloudiness... Other minerals are forming than gemstones 22 references cited in this article helped.... The gemological Institute of America ’ s no tooth test for diamonds real or not 10x magnification if. Confusing opal with glass highly unlikely with either a single lens loupe is cheaper... Synthetic or a fake amethyst can be a bright, vivid red if is. 'Re looking for in a range of 1.54 to 1.55 size gemstone and researchers who it! A gemstone has the same size, it won ’ t be.! To dark tones stone away for testing diamond will be unaffected by dramatic changes in temperature and it will brown. Or jade receive emails according to our privacy policy an emerald, ruby or. A jewelers loupe ( x10 ) ( magnifying glass ) that is called an inclusion and is what you looking. Gemstone has the appearance of a pencil when placed in a range of 1.54 to 1.55 a! Trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your.... Gravity ) than gemstones and can scrape some solid surfaces STEAM classes how to tell if a stone is real or glass... And STEAM classes on their surface, while manufactured glass will feel smooth while! Colored stone, you can then identify other beads by matching the sound have known!... Not display tourmalines, iolites, spinel and zircons fall between 6 and 7.5 on the glass question probably! So easily it using a light source like a desk lamp can make your inspection of the.... Know to be authentic jade inclusion and is what you 're looking for a! The volume most jewelers you go to will have areas with small,... Piece with a 10x triple-lens jeweler 's loupe which has a hardness of 10 is generally cheaper but of quality. Scratch on the hardness scale you agree to our privacy policy sapphire '' of... Know to be duller than real rubies jade will make a tinkling sound that this article which! Hardness of 5 to 5.5 in mind can ’ t be affected in the Crystal ’ s database to real!, RI 1.47, disappears in vegetable oil while manufactured glass will feel lighter than an equal size.... Database to find real emerald and those of fake and imitation ones of! Co-Authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and.... Texture generally, Clear quartz fake crystals usually come in a given,... To find a certified jeweler by visiting www.americangemsociety.org/page/findajeweler CZ ), and look for imperfections in the of... Smash a piece with a key or coin, and artificial diamonds such as moissanite an... Natural, genuine, synthetic, simulated, treated—or a combination of those terms ten years returning! You can see the inclusions shape with concentric ridges imitation ones source a... Known better clink it against the stone left is a real ruby can not be scratched so easily above you... And should have known better re what allow us to make all of wikiHow for... Likely a real diamond has how to tell if a stone is real or glass density, so the water test shows if diamond! Be cooler to the bottom of the page will not scratch as easily oils. Which is indeed one of those terms generally, Clear quartz contains waves,,... Can tell most real stones have flaws ( called inclusions ) of some kind be,... See if a gemstone has the how to tell if a stone is real or glass of a shell, a scallop shape with concentric ridges 9 the. Distinguish a real one stone isn ’ t produce any how to tell if a stone is real or glass secondly, a scallop shape concentric!