Minerals: A Beginner’s Guide to Detecting Counterfeit Gems and Copycat Versions

Anyway, the demand for valuable stones for example diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds cannot be questioned in the world of gemstones, which is a world of splendid stones. However, this glamour often times is associated with the probability of encountering fakes or stones that are fake. It is very useful whether you are a buyer or a jewelry lover to make a clear line between the real gemstones and the looks-alike stones. With the help of this guide you will get through the complex of the real gemstone identification and therefore your next gemstone purchase will be as beautiful as genuine.


Assimilation with Gemstone Fakes

Before discussing the different approaches to detection, it may be useful to discuss how established the existence of artificial components in a gemstone. Shown above are many types of imitation stones which include the synthetic stones- these are chemically indistinguishable from natural gemstones but are produced in a laboratory as well as stones that are made wholly out of other material such as glass or plastic but are created to resemble the natural gemstone as closely as possible. It may therefore be useful to have knowledge of the many types of Imitations that exist so as to be in a position to notice them.

This is the act of making the visual inspection, which is the initial procedure of the process.

Starting with the color of the gemstone should be done first. Real gemstones thus have a color that is often uniform and rich. While some rip offs of a high magnitudes can replicate it, many fake tend to have colors that are either too intense or too uniform. In order to find out if something is color true one should look for the color zoning which is a natural occur in the color.

2. Conduct a thorough inspection to look for flaws and inclusions: natural gemstones often have very subtle imperfections, or what is known as inclusions. Yes, there is such a thing as a perfect gemstone but you won’t find it often and it will cost you an arm and a leg. There exists higher probability that the said gemstone is a synthetic or a fake if the quality appears to be overly polished if it is sold at a cheaper price than its counterparts.

It also can be informative to determine the precision and quality of the cut; thus, the cut and the facets should be assessed. Natural gemstones are usually shaped in a way that will also improve the quality of their hue and luster. Substandard fake stones may also have what may be described as an incomplete cutting. A closer look at the facets in the stone will explain that an intersection should occur at specific spots and in certain angles.


Physical Conduct of Tests of Authenticity

It is enough to breathe on the gemstone as you breathe on a mirror, so make sure you do it properly. This is the fourth test. If the gemstones are genuine they will fog for a little time while fake gemstones especially the glass ones will take time to fog.

5. The Hardness Test: The Moh’s scale is an established scale that is used to measure stain and hardness that is possessed by gems. The real gems are those that scratch the glass and there is no harm done to the gem itself. When doing this test, one should however exercise a lot of care in order not to apply some pressure on the gemstone or setting which may damage the gemstone.

6. The Heat Conductivity Test: Heat conductivity is high in case of diamond and, therefore such stones are quick to lose heat. You will only experience heat or some warm feeling if you are wearing fake diamonds, not when using original diamond materials placed on your forehead. It might be true that fake diamonds can still hold heat and warm to the feel of the touch since they are made up of glass or even cubic zirconia.

Gemstone Testing at Gemstone Lab


Procedures and machines of the highest quality

 7. Making Use of a Loupe A jeweler’s loupe is used to magnify items in order to have a better look at jewels in this case. Observe the cut of the diamond using a loupe and look at the inclusions, evenly distribution of the material in the gemstone or overall finish of the cut the diamond has.

8. The Refractive Index Test: Each gemstone is characterized by its RI, which is the quantity of light that deviates as it passes through the stone. It is possible to identify the gemstone with the help of a refractometer; this tool provides an accurate RI value.

The ninth test is called the Specific Gravity Test: it is first find out the weight of the gemstone in grams in air and then the same weight is found out while the gemstone is fully immersed in water. Every gemstone has a specific gravity range that may also be useful for identification purposes.

Possible list of Specific Things a Professional Gemologist Should Consider in Their Work

In a moment’s doubt it is advisable to consult the services of a gemologist. They posses the knowledge of the gemstone as well as the technological tool like Spectrometer that assures a competent identification service for the gemstones.


Have Knowledge in Certifications and Evaluations

That is why, gemstones can be authenticated by means of the certificates given by such institutes as the International Gemological Institute. Ensure that any time one is purchasing a high value gemstone there is a certificate or some features of the gemstone are described.

Concluding Remarks:

That is why one always has to have the knowledge combined with caution.

In conclusion, what has been said, recognizing fakes requires good vision, basic knowledge in the matter at least and, if needed, an expert. Much of the risk of buying the fake stones could therefore be minimized by learning the most common imitation methods and/or performing simple tests. Remember in the buying of gemstones that if the deal seems to be much too sweet to be true, then probably it really is.


Source Articles;
https://sites.google.com/view/identifying-fake-gemstones/

https://sites.google.com/view/gemstones-and-zodiac-signs

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