Amethyst is a beautiful and popular gemstone that is widely used in jewelry making. It is a variety of quartz and its name comes from the Greek word “amethystos,” which means “not drunk.” The ancient Greeks believed that amethyst had the power to ward off drunkenness, and it was often worn as an amulet by those who wished to stay sober.
While amethyst is readily available on the market, it can be challenging to know if you are getting a genuine stone or a fake one. In this article, we will explore some ways to tell a real amethyst from a fake one.
What is Amethyst?
As mentioned earlier, amethyst is a type of quartz that occurs in shades of purple ranging from pale lilac to deep violet. The color of amethyst is due to the presence of iron and manganese impurities in the crystal lattice of the mineral.
Amethyst is found in many locations around the world, including Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, Zambia, and Russia. The quality of amethyst varies depending on its origin, with some countries producing higher-quality stones than others.
How to Tell if an Amethyst is Real
There are several tests you can carry out to determine if an amethyst is genuine or not. Here are some of them:
Observe the Color
The color of amethyst can vary depending on its origin, but generally, a real amethyst is a shade of purple rather than pink or red. If the stone is too bright or too dark, it may indicate that it is a fake.
Real amethyst has a deep and rich color that is consistent throughout the stone. Fake amethyst, on the other hand, may have patches of color or uneven distribution of color.
Check for Clarity
The clarity of a real amethyst can also help you determine if it is genuine or not. A high-quality amethyst should be clear and free of any inclusions or blemishes. If the stone has visible flaws, it may indicate that it is a fake.
However, it’s worth noting that some amethysts do have inclusions like other gemstones. But generally, real amethyst should be clearer than a fake one.
Look for Inclusions
While real amethyst should be clear, it can also sometimes contain inclusions. These are tiny imperfections that occur naturally within the crystal and can make each stone unique.
If you observe an amethyst with visible inclusions, it doesn’t mean that it’s a fake automatically. However, if there are too many inclusions, the stone may not be genuine.
Check the Weight
Real amethyst is denser than fake ones, and as such, it will weigh more for its size than a fake stone. If you’re comparing two stones that are roughly the same size but one feels lighter than the other, it could indicate that the lighter stone is a fake.
Conduct the Heat Test
Another way to tell if an amethyst is genuine is to conduct a heat test. Heat a needle or pin until it is red hot, then touch it gently to the surface of the stone. If the stone is genuine, it will not react to the heat. A fake amethyst, however, may crack or melt under the heat.
Use Magnification
Using magnification can help you see the details of the stone, including any inclusions, and determine if it’s genuine or not. A jeweler’s loupe or a magnifying glass can be useful tools to examine an amethyst closely.
If you observe bubbles or air pockets inside the stone, it could indicate that it is a fake. Real amethyst is unlikely to have these bubbles.
What does pure amethyst look like?
Pure amethyst is a violet variety of quartz. It typically has a medium to dark purple color, but can also appear reddish-purple or bluish-purple. The intensity and shade of the purple color can vary depending on the location where the amethyst was found and the conditions under which it formed. In its purest form, amethyst is transparent, but it can also be translucent or opaque if it contains impurities or other minerals. Some high-quality amethyst specimens may display a unique crystal structure or pattern that can add to their visual appeal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, amethyst is a beautiful gemstone that is highly valued for its stunning purple color. However, it’s essential to know how to tell a real amethyst from a fake one to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Observing the color, checking for clarity, looking for inclusions, weighing the stone, conducting a heat test, and using magnification are all useful ways to determine if an amethyst is genuine or not.
If you’re not sure about the authenticity of an amethyst, it’s always best to seek the advice of a professional gemologist or jeweler who can help you make the right decision. With these tips in mind, you can confidently choose a beautiful and authentic amethyst that will stand the test of time.
