Amethyst is a beautiful gemstone that has been prized for centuries for its deep purple hues. Whether you are buying it for jewelry or collecting it as a crystal, knowing how to identify real amethyst is essential. In this article, we will explore the various ways you can tell if an amethyst crystal is real, from examining its color and clarity to testing its physical properties. Understanding these methods will help you make informed decisions when purchasing amethyst gemstones and ensure you are not misled by imitation or synthetic stones.
What Is Amethyst?
Amethyst is a variety of quartz that features a range of purple shades, from pale lavender to deep violet. It is the birthstone for February and is often used in jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, and earrings. The gemstone’s color comes from traces of iron and other impurities within the crystal lattice. Amethyst is found in many locations worldwide, including Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and South Korea.
Real vs. Fake Amethyst: What to Look For
Color
One of the first things to consider when determining if an amethyst crystal is real is its color. Genuine amethyst typically has a vibrant purple color, often with secondary hues of red or blue. However, some amethysts can appear more pale or have a slight brownish tint, especially if they have been exposed to heat.
- Natural Amethyst: It displays a rich, deep purple color, sometimes with noticeable zoning (areas with varying shades).
- Fake Amethyst: Imitation amethysts often have unnatural or overly uniform color, which may look more synthetic. The color could be too bright or overly pale and may lack the depth and complexity of real amethyst.
Transparency and Clarity
Amethyst crystals can range from transparent to translucent. Real amethyst often has some level of clarity, but it is not always flawless. Natural amethyst can contain inclusions or small imperfections, which add to its uniqueness.
- Natural Amethyst: It may have small inclusions, also known as “inclusions,” which are visible under magnification. These inclusions are perfectly normal and can even enhance the beauty of the stone.
- Fake Amethyst: Imitation stones may be perfectly clear and free of inclusions, which can be a red flag. Completely flawless amethyst is rare and can indicate a synthetic stone.
Weight and Hardness
Amethyst is relatively dense compared to some other crystals. A real amethyst crystal will feel heavier than other fake alternatives, such as glass or plastic.
- Real Amethyst: The hardness of genuine amethyst is 7 on the Mohs scale, meaning it can scratch most common materials except for harder stones like diamonds.
- Fake Amethyst: Imitation amethysts might feel lighter, and their hardness may be lower. You can test this by attempting to scratch it with a steel knife. A real amethyst should not be scratched easily.
Methods for Identifying Real Amethyst
The Scratch Test
As mentioned earlier, the scratch test is one of the simplest ways to tell if an amethyst is real. Use a steel knife or a piece of quartz to gently scratch the surface of the crystal.
- If the stone is scratched easily, it is likely not real amethyst.
- If the stone remains unscratched, it is more likely to be genuine amethyst.
The Water Test
Another way to test if an amethyst is real is by submerging it in water. Genuine amethyst will sink, while fake ones made of plastic or glass may float.
- Real Amethyst: This dense gemstone will sink in water because of its higher density.
- Fake Amethyst: If the crystal floats, it is likely not a real amethyst.
UV Light Test
Exposing amethyst to ultraviolet (UV) light can reveal its authenticity. Real amethyst will often show a faint glow when exposed to UV light, while fake amethysts will not.
- Real Amethyst: It may exhibit a faint fluorescence under UV light, especially if it has been treated or heated.
- Fake Amethyst: Imitation stones, like glass or plastic, will not fluoresce or glow under UV light.
The Heat Test
Heating amethyst may alter its color. However, real amethyst crystals can handle heat to some extent, whereas synthetic stones may react differently.
- Real Amethyst: Genuine amethyst can withstand heat, though prolonged exposure may fade its color slightly.
- Fake Amethyst: Imitation amethysts may change color or even crack when exposed to heat.
The Magnification Test
Using a jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass, closely examine the surface of the amethyst. Genuine amethyst may have visible inclusions, bubbles, or irregularities, all of which are characteristic of natural stones.
- Real Amethyst: You may notice natural inclusions, which are tiny internal imperfections that occur during crystal formation.
- Fake Amethyst: If the stone looks flawless, smooth, and perfect under magnification, it is likely a fake.
The Price Test
Sometimes, the price alone can provide a clue about the authenticity of an amethyst crystal. If you find a stunning piece of amethyst being sold at a very low price, it might be too good to be true.
- Real Amethyst: Natural amethyst can be expensive, especially larger or high-quality stones.
- Fake Amethyst: If the price is suspiciously low, it is more likely to be a synthetic or imitation stone.
Synthetic Amethyst vs. Natural Amethyst
Synthetic amethyst is created in a laboratory under controlled conditions, and while it can resemble natural amethyst, there are key differences between the two.
- Natural Amethyst: Grows naturally over millions of years in the Earth’s crust. It has unique variations in color, inclusions, and clarity.
- Synthetic Amethyst: Manufactured using processes like hydrothermal or flux growth. Although it shares the same chemical composition, it may lack the natural imperfections of a true gemstone.
One way to differentiate between synthetic and natural amethyst is by using a gemologist’s refractive index test. This test measures how light bends through the stone. Natural amethyst typically has a refractive index of 1.544 to 1.553, while synthetic stones might differ slightly.
The Role of Amethyst Treatments
Some amethysts undergo treatments to enhance their color or clarity. While treatments do not necessarily make the stone fake, they can affect its value and appearance.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is commonly used to deepen the color of amethyst. This process can turn amethyst into a more vibrant purple hue, but it can also fade over time if the stone is exposed to sunlight or heat.
- Real Amethyst: Can be treated with heat to enhance color but retains its natural structure and composition.
- Fake Amethyst: May be dyed or treated in ways that are not common in nature.
Dyeing
Dyeing is another treatment used on amethyst to intensify its color. However, dyed amethyst can be easily detected because the color is usually applied evenly and does not show natural variations.
- Real Amethyst: Exhibits natural color variations and irregularities in hue.
- Fake Amethyst: May show signs of an unnatural, consistent color tone across the entire crystal.
Conclusion
Telling if an amethyst crystal is real is a crucial skill for anyone buying or selling this stunning gemstone. By examining factors such as color, transparency, clarity, and weight, as well as conducting simple tests like the scratch test or UV light test, you can confidently determine whether an amethyst is authentic. Understanding the difference between natural and synthetic amethyst, as well as common treatments, further helps in assessing the quality of the stone. By using these methods, you can avoid falling victim to imitations and ensure that your amethyst collection is genuine.
Related topics:
- Pink Amethyst vs. Rose Quartz: Are They the Same Gemstone?
- Can amethyst be transparent?
- What is Amethyst Aura Quartz?
