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How to Know a Crystal is Real?
How to Know a Crystal is Real?
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Dhruvi
1 post
Jul 03, 2025
8:29 AM
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Crystals are admired for their beauty, healing properties, and spiritual energy. However, as their popularity grows, so does the market for fake or synthetic stones. For crystal lovers, it’s important to know whether the crystal they are buying or using is genuine. In this essay, we’ll explore how to identify real crystals through appearance, weight, temperature, sourcing, and simple testing methods.
1. Observe the Appearance Carefully
One of the first ways to tell if a crystal is real is by looking at it closely. Natural crystals usually have imperfections—small cracks, color inconsistencies, or internal patterns called inclusions. These are signs of natural formation over thousands or even millions of years. If a crystal looks too perfect, especially in color or clarity, it may be a synthetic version or dyed glass. For instance, a real Amethyst may have slight color variations, while a fake one might be evenly purple throughout.
2. Feel the Weight and Temperature
Genuine crystals are typically heavier than glass or plastic. If you hold two stones of similar size, the real one will feel denser. Also, real crystals tend to feel cool to the touch, even on a warm day. This is because natural minerals have higher thermal conductivity than glass or resin. Fake crystals, on the other hand, may warm up quickly in your hand.
3. Check for Air Bubbles
Air bubbles are a clear sign that a stone may be glass, not crystal. These bubbles often form when molten glass is poured into molds. You won’t usually find bubbles inside genuine crystals. Use a magnifying glass or flashlight to inspect the inside of your stone for such clues.
4. Do the Scratch Test (With Caution)
Some crystals are harder than others. For example, Quartz ranks 7 on the Mohs hardness scale and can scratch glass. If you gently try to scratch a piece of glass using a Quartz crystal, it should leave a mark. However, this test should be done carefully and only if you’re willing to risk a small scratch on either item.
5. Use a Blacklight or UV Test
Some crystals, like Fluorite, glow under UV light. This method is useful for identifying certain minerals. However, just because a crystal glows doesn’t mean it's fake—or real. But if a crystal glows a bright neon color and it’s not supposed to, that could be a red flag. This test is more useful when paired with other clues.
6. Research the Source
Knowing where and how the crystal was obtained can also give hints about its authenticity. Reputable sellers will usually share the origin of the crystal and may even provide certification. If a shop refuses to give details or the price seems too good to be true, it might be selling man-made stones or imitations.
7. Use Professional Tools or Seek Expert Advice
There are tools like refractometers, hardness kits, and specific gravity testers that gemologists use to verify authenticity. If you’re still unsure, take your crystal to a gem expert or mineralogist. They can often tell whether it’s real in just a few minutes using scientific tools and knowledge.
8. Be Aware of Common Fakes
Certain crystals are more likely to be faked than others. For instance, Citrine is often just heat-treated Amethyst, and some turquoise on the market is dyed howlite. Knowing which crystals are frequently faked can help you be more alert when shopping.
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