How to distinguish natural stones from imitations?

Learning how to distinguish natural stones from imitations is very important to recognize precious and real stones. Natural stones have some distinctive features that can be distinguished from fake or imitation stones. Here are some tips to consider to distinguish natural stones from imitations:

1. Visual Review

• Natural Flaws: Natural stones often have some flaws, veins or inclusions. Stones that appear completely flawless and perfect are often imitations.
• Color: The colors of natural stones are usually irregular and have a certain depth. Very bright and uniform colors can often be a sign of fake stones.

2. Density and Weight

• Density Test: Natural stones are generally denser than fake stones. Try to feel the weight of the stone when you hold it in your hand; natural stones should be heavier.
• Water Test: You can drop some stones into water to test their density. Natural stones usually sink in water, while fake stones may float.

3. Temperature and Heat

• Temperature: Natural stones are usually cold when held in your hand. Plastic or glass imitations tend to heat up faster.
• Heat Resistance: Natural stones can withstand a certain amount of heat. Fake stones may be damaged or discolored when in contact with heat.

4. Hardness

• Mohs Hardness Test: The hardness of natural stones is measured by the Mohs hardness scale. For example, quartz has a hardness of 7, while glass and plastic have lower hardness. To test the hardness of a stone, you can scratch it on a softer surface such as glass.
• Scratch Test: Try to lightly scratch the surface of a stone with a tool such as your fingernail or a knife. Natural stones are more resistant to this type of scratching.

5. Light and Brightness

• Light Refraction: Natural stones refract light at different angles, creating a deep, rich shine. Fake stones usually have a uniform shine.
• Luster: The luster of natural stones is usually more vibrant and attractive. Fake stones may be made of materials such as plastic or glass and may have a duller appearance.

6. Chemical Tests

• Acid Test: Some natural stones can react with acid. For example, calcite foams when in contact with acid. However, it is recommended that this test be performed carefully and only by experts.
• UV Light: Some natural stones can glow in certain colors under UV light. This can be used to distinguish them from fake stones.

7. Professional Review and Certification

• Professional Appraisal: The most reliable way to be sure of the authenticity of a stone is to have it appraised by a gemologist or stone expert.
• Certificates: Certificates obtained from reliable laboratories for precious stones prove that the stone is natural.

Resources and More Information

1. GIA - Gemological Institute of America: A leading authority on the identification and evaluation of natural gemstones.
2. International Gem Society: Provides detailed information about the properties of stones and testing methods.
3. Mindat.org: Provides a comprehensive database of minerals and natural stones.

Understanding the differences between natural stones and their imitations requires proper knowledge and attention. Using the above tips, it is possible to determine if the stones are real or not. However, for the most reliable results, it is always best to consult an expert.