Genuine amethyst gemstones need to be imperfect and come in a range of purple tones. A single-color Amethyst gem is most likely a fake. Genuine amethyst stones will contain color zones that include purple, white, and blue tones. Although a genuine amethyst gem won’t have bubbles, it might contain threads and other imperfections below the surface.
One of the most well-liked gemstones is amethyst. This member of the quartz family, serene in a range of purple tones from rich grape to the lightest lavender, is all about bringing the big chill. Gemologists and those who simply desire a little more calm in their lives adore amethyst, one of the best healing crystals. Since then, everyone from the Ancient Greeks to the Egyptians has revered and adored amethyst. Our passion of amethyst may be dated back to 25,000 BC. It is related to the tales of Dionysus and gets its name from the Greek for not being drunk. Amethyst was a stone that the Greeks wore to ward off feelings of intoxication. Beyond its mythological associations, the natural birthstone for February is renowned for its capacity to cleanse the crown chakra. Clarity, attention, balance, deep concentration, and serenity can all be enhanced by natural amethyst.
Amethyst made from synthetic materials is frequently available because it is one of the most sought-after jewels. Both natural stones and man-made crystals abound in the gemstone industry. We examine every method for telling fake crystals from real ones to assist you in making your choice of stone.
1) Color
Examining the coloration is one of the finest ways to determine if an amethyst is genuine. Instead of having a single color, a true amethyst will have color zoning. Amethyst typically has a purple or violet colour. Certain stones can appear to be a wine-shaded red or black, while others can be as light as lavender and speckled with white and blue tones.
It’s important to note that there are several types of amethyst, and that this can also change the coloring. For instance, ametrine, which results in strong banding on the gem, is the product of the union of citrine and amethyst. Especially towards the crystal’s base, amethyst quartz can also have milky and translucent shading. You might see all the various colors swimming and glinting beneath the faceted surface of the quartz crystal if you hold it up to the light. This denotes a genuine amethyst.
2) Injected dyes
If your fake Amethyst quartz has been dyed to resemble the real thing, it can actually be a crystal shot. This occurs when jewelers or merchants attempt to pass off quartz stones with similar appearances as amethyst and fill cracks with dye injections to conceal any indication of forgery. If you want to determine whether the quartz is indeed an Amethyst or not, examine it thoroughly and search for any spots where the fissures have minor pigmentation. Very vivid-colored quartz and amethyst geodes are also likely to have been dyed.
3) Clarity
Gems and minerals are frequently created in harsh conditions with tremendous heat and pressure. It makes sense that this would have an impact on the clarity, lead to bubbles below the surface, and result in discolored patches. Many stones fit this description, but amethyst does not. As amethyst is a quartz stone, threads rather than bubbles are more likely to be visible below the surface. In truth, bubbles and color variations in quartz would be extremely uncommon. Check the inside of your amethyst with a magnifying glass to see if there are any bubbles; if there are bubbles, the amethyst isn’t quartz and isn’t quartz, it isn’t an amethyst. Eye clear amethysts, albeit not necessarily crystal transparent, indicate that they are genuine stones. You should be able to look right through your amethyst if you hold it up to the light without noticing any bubbles or any discoloration.
4) Variety of cut
The cut should be taken into consideration after you have properly examined the color and purity of the diamond. Amethyst is a simple stone to cut, therefore it may be found in a wide variety of shapes. So it’s not always a fake just because you see Amethyst cut into hearts. The rounder shape is another popular cut for genuine amethyst since jewelers will use it to cover up any flaws in the original. Don’t be afraid to ask for a magnifying lens to study the circular Amethysts so you can examine the purity and the above-described color distribution of the gem. Amethyst with a cut will typically have a polished, smooth finish if you purchase one.
5) Specific Gravity test
Check out our Amethyst Energy Bracelet
There is a precise gravity test that you may use to determine whether your Amethyst is genuine rather than just relying on your eyes. If you want to be absolutely certain, it may take a bit longer to figure out, but it is well worthwhile. You’ll need a beaker for measurement, a set of scales, and some water. This test measures the exact gravity of amethyst, which is around 2.65. Here is how you do it:
- Write down how much your Amethyst weighs after putting it on the scales.
- Write down how much water you have added to the beaker using the measurements on the beaker after adding a little amount (but not too much) of water.
- In the beaker, put the amethyst.
- You should note the new measurement as the water in the beaker rises.
- You may determine how much water the Amethyst has displaced by subtracting the old measurement from the new one.
- Remove the Amethyst, drain the liquid, and then replenish the beaker with the same volume of liquid.
- reweigh the beaker (with the same amount of previously displaced water in it).
- You may now use gravity math to get the actual weight of the displaced water by deducting the beaker’s initial weight from the quantity you have. The weight of the displaced water should be divided by the Amethyst’s weight.
- You’re looking for a number between 2.65 and 3.
6) Hardness
A wonderful marker for any gemstone, not only amethyst, is the hardness test. Knowing where Amethyst falls on the Mohs hardness scale can help you determine whether your gem is in alignment. Each crystal will have its own score on the scale. The Mohs scale ranks materials according to their hardness, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest. For instance, talcum powder is a 1, talcum powder is a 2, a fingernail is a 2, and a diamond is a 10. Amethyst is currently seated where? Amethyst has a hardness rating of 7, making it a rather durable gem. A genuine Amethyst stone shouldn’t be susceptible to harm from anything with a Mohs hardness rating of less than 7. An Amethyst can be scratched with your fingernail to see whether you leave a mark. Theoretically, a blade or knife could also be used, but most jewelers definitely wouldn’t like that.
7) Origin
Ask as many questions as you like regarding your amethyst. When you try to elaborate on the history of your Amethyst, a reputable dealer shouldn’t dismiss you. Asking this question is wise since it might offer some insight into the truth of your jewel. Despite being widespread, amethyst is typically found in Brazil, South Africa, Namibia, and the US states of Arizona, Colorado, and the Carolinas. Of course, this does not imply that an Amethyst found elsewhere is a fugazi, but when considered alongside other pieces of information, it can be a hint.
8) Price
Another factor in the popularity of amethyst in the crystal world is its affordability. Amethyst’s price will undoubtedly change in some way. The cost of the stone will vary depending on the stone’s quality, weight, degree of flaws, and whether it is polished or in its raw state. Genuine amethyst should cost between $2 and $30 or more per carat. If a deal seems too good to be true, like with any purchase, it generally isn’t the actual deal after all. The price of amethyst from a professional jeweler should be at least $20. If you see amethyst being sold for less than this, you might be being duped into purchasing a fake.
9) Strange names
While these exotic titles can be seductive, they frequently serve to conceal the fact that the Amethyst is fake. Occasionally jewelers prefer to get creative with the gems they are selling. Names like Desert Amethyst, Lithia Amethyst, Japanese Amethyst, and Bengal Amethyst are likely made up. Although it’s simple to assume that they are simply Amethyst varieties, the fact that they don’t exist indicates that actual Amethyst isn’t being used.
10) Amethyst grades
Amethyst is classified into grades to make it easier for finders and potential buyers to assess the quality of their stone. Diamonds have a similar pattern of behavior. Amethyst quality can be determined in three different ways, and each one considers several factors such as cut, color, carat, and clarity. While the lowest grade of amethyst may have visible inclusions, the greatest grade will be nearly perfect. Of fact, real amethyst rather than synthetic amethyst generated in a lab is what the three grades of amethyst refer to.
Natural AA
The largest range of amethysts, covering up to 50–75% of all available gems. While having the lowest spectrum of the three, natural AA Amethyst is nevertheless of high quality. These stones typically feature thick or moderate inclusions and a color scale that is closer to light purple. Often, modest high street jewelers are where you may find this type of amethyst.
Natural AAA
Around 20–30% of amethysts are natural AAA, which is the next grade higher. These stones are a medium purple color and have very small inclusions. These Amethyst gems can be found in more expensive family and independent jewelers.
Natural AAAA
The natural AAAA rating is the highest possible in the amethyst category. Just around 10% of the market is made up of this kind of amethyst, which is as close to perfection as you can get. To the untrained eye, these stones will appear to be crystal clear, exquisitely cut, and a dreamy dark purple color. As it is so beautiful, you may find it difficult to see flaws, but fear not—if you purchase it from a top-tier jeweler at a high price, it is certain to be dazzlingly genuine.
We hope that we have provided you with all the knowledge necessary to examine your Amethyst stone in greater detail. As they radiate with high vibrations, loving energy, and the promise of harmony for body, mind, and soul, owning an authentic and honest amethyst is an amazing dream. You should be able to select the ideal Amethyst that resonates with you as long as you keep an eye out for flaws, avoid being seduced by low prices or bold marketing, and follow the four C’s rule of color, cut, clarity, and carat.
What is your knowledge of purchasing gemstones? Have you ever been unclear about the difference between real and fake? Please share all of your thoughts with us so that we can create a comprehensive list of what to look for when locating crystals.