Imperfections and shades of purple characterize authentic Amethyst. Any Amethyst gem that is of a single solid color is fake. The real stones have color zoning, including shades of white and blue, and purple. They do not have any bubbles but can have impurities or threads beneath their surface. Wondering how to tell if amethyst is real?
A popular gemstone, Amethyst is serene in different shades of purple, which can be soft lavender to heavy grape. They are regarded among the top healing crystals by gemologists and people who want peace in their life.
However, because it’s a popular gem, synthetic versions are quite common. To help you select a real Amethyst gem, we have discussed some important characteristics to differentiate it from fake ones.
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How to Tell if Amethyst is Real?
Differentiating between real and fake gems needs some knowledge about the stone. You don’t need to be an expert, but there are things to consider while purchasing. It will ensure you don’t pay the real price and get a fake product.
Color
Color can help you understand if an Amethyst is real or fake. An original stone will have color zoning compared to a single black color. Usually, Amethyst is purple or violet. However, some are darker and may appear black or wine-shaded red.
You might be surprised that there are various varieties of Amethyst available, leading to the sharp banding of the gem. Some Amethyst Quartz also has translucent or milky shades, especially around the bottom of the crystal. Additionally, you may sight all different shades of the gem while swimming or glinting below a faceted surface. It is a true sign of an original Amethyst.
Injected Dyes
Some faux Amethyst quartz is crystal shots with a dye that make it appear like natural stone. It happens when sellers or jewelers try passing off similar-looking quartz pieces as Amethyst. The process seals crack injected with dye to hide signs of fakery. To check if the gem is authentic, you should look closely at the gem and see if it has any areas where the cracks show small quantities of pigments. Quartzes or Amethyst geodes having very intense color may also be dyed.
Clarity
Gems are mostly formed in intense environmental conditions characterized by excessive pressure and high heat. The process affects the clarity and causes bubbles beneath the surface and parts of discoloration.
But, true for most stones, it isn’t true with Amethyst. Amethyst is a quartz stone that shows threads beneath its surface instead of bubbles. Instead, the occurrence of discoloration or bubbles is quite rare as its quartz.
You can use a magnifying glass to check what sits below the surface. If bubbles are seen, it indicates it isn’t quartz and certainly not an Amethyst. Real crystals such as Amethysts are clear to the eye and do not appear as a crystal. Holding Amethyst up to the light lets you glance right through it and see no discoloration or bubbles.
Cut Variety
After you have checked the color and clarity, the cut is next to consider. Amethysts may come in different shapes as it is an easy tone to cut. Hence, if you see an Amethyst carved into a heart shape, it doesn’t mean it’s fake. Another common cut of a pure Amethyst is its round shape, as jewelers do it to hide imperfections.
When checking, you should ask for magnifying glass to study a circular Amethyst as it will give more clarity and the distribution of the color throughout the gem. When purchasing any cut Amethyst, it will mostly have a smooth polish finish.
Specific Gravity Test
You cannot simply rely on your eyes to check if your Amethyst is real. A specific gravity test can be an ideal option which might take some time but gives you exact results. You would need a set of scales, a beaker, and some water. Because a pure Amethyst has a gravity number of about 2.65, the test would measure exactly that.
Hardness
The hardness test is another great alternative for almost every crystal and not just Amethyst. Each crystal has its score on the Mohs hardness scale and knowing where Amethyst will help determine if the gem is aligned correctly. Mohs hardness scale ranges between 1-10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the hardest.
Diamond is the hardest, scoring 10, while a blade is about 5. Similarly, fingernails are rated 2, while talcum powder stands at 1. In the case of Amethyst, it measures 7, which is pretty good for a hard gemstone.
A score below seven on the Mohs hardness scale doesn’t cause any damage to a pure Amethyst stone. You may use your fingernail to scratch the surface of the Amethyst and see if it leaves any mark. You may even use a knife or a blade, but most jewelers won’t dig with these.
Origin
It would help if you asked the dealer about the origin of the Amethyst, and it is an important question to ask. Amethyst is found globally but is mostly sourced from South Africa, USA, Namibia, and Brazil. However, it doesn’t mean if an Amethyst is from any other place isn’t a pure one.
Also Read: How to tell if rose quartz is real?
Price
These stones are affordable and are one big reason for their popularity. However, the prices vary based on their variation. Depending on the quality of the stone, the pricing also varies. For instance, raw or polished forms, their weight, and their imperfection levels determine their pricing. On average, the price of any Amethyst wouldn’t be beyond $20 from any reputable jeweler.
Concluding Remarks
Other parameters are also considered when differentiating the real ones from the fake variants. Strange names and different Amethyst grades are some of those. Hopefully, the article above has helped you know deeper about these gems, and we believe the knowledge can help you make the right decision.
However, if you are still unsure or find these tips difficult, you should consider consulting a professional gemologist for more details. They have both the tools and experience to help you get the purest gems and stones.
