How To Tell If a Stone Is a Crystal?
How To Tell If a Stone Is a Crystal? Will be covered with nothing held back.
It is common for most people to use the words rock, mineral, glass, crystal, stone, and gemstones interchangeably.
However, jewelers, rockhounds, and gemstone enthusiasts know the distinctions.
Even though there might be overlapping traits, it is essential to know the differences if you do not want to end up with fakes.
There are fake crystals in different forms, from glass, gems, dyed, chemically altered, to the addition of extra glitters on them.
Read on to explore more on these nature provisions and how you can get value for your money by getting authentic items.
What’s The Difference Between a Crystal, a Rock, and a Mineral?
To know the difference between crystals, rocks, and stones, there are features and characteristics from each one of them.
The answer to the question How To Tell If a Stone Is a Crystal?
A crystal has a shiny and translucent look.
Naturally, crystals have a geometric form with jagged edges.
They are forms of minerals that appear in many structures.
A mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic element that has a repetitive internal pattern.
Contrastingly, because rocks are a combination of different minerals, they are denser and rounder in nature.
Rocks can be classified into three categories, including sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic.
Even though a mineral can be a compound in a rock, and a crystal can make a mineral, these words do not have the same meaning.
7 WAYS TO TELL IF A CRYSTAL IS REAL OR FAKE
How Can You Tell The Difference Between Crystal And Glass Stone?
The differences between glass stone and crystal are in sound, tone, sharpness, finger feel, and appearance under the sun or light.
Below are some of a few characteristics to consider to differentiate a crystal and glass stone?
When two glass stones collide, they make a clunking noise while crystals make an echoing sound.
Crystals have a smooth feel and narrower rims compared to glass stones.
When you look at a piece under the sun, and it makes a Prisma spectrum, it is more likely to be a crystal.
The weight of crystals and glass stones is different. If the same size of these compounds are measured, the heavier one is likely to be a crystal.
How to Tell if a Crystal is Real?
You can tell a crystal is real if it has an actual name, has a soft color, non-blinding brightness, perfect symmetry, feels glassy, and lacks air bubbles.
Additionally, you can use the Moh’s hardness scale to help you know whether you are dealing with a genuine crystal or not.
At times, you might interact with some strange and weird names given to crystals. In this case, you can be alarmed since the stranger the name, the higher the chances of deviating from the real crystal.
Therefore, familiarizing yourself with the names can help you be off the bait.
Additionally, knowing that each crystal is unique in its own way will keep you away from expecting perfection, which is normally associated with laboratory-prepared crystals.
Also, if you can detect glass from a gemstone, you can easily spot a crystal. A real crystal would also be heavier than glass, so take note.
Other than the authentic crystals, some imitations can be dyed, made out of plastic, or manufactured using stones of low value.
What do I Consider to Avoid Purchasing Fake Crystals?
Determining the authenticity of a crystal largely depends on several factors. Such include:
- The retailer you choose can mean buying a real or fake crystal.
- The market prices will be another way to tell if a crystal is real. If it’s too cheap watch out.
- The crystal names is another way to tell if your crystal is fake or real
Dealing with a quality retailer plays a huge role in ensuring you get a genuine crystal. They should provide you evidence that helps keep you at peace that you are making the right purchase.
Authentic retailers will, in most cases, have the documents that show where they obtain their crystals from.
Plus, they usually are ready to share stories of their business in the field, relationships with suppliers, and information on crystals.
On the other hand, be alert when dealing with retailers who stare at you blankly whenever you have a question about their suppliers or anything related to the product and cannot provide you with solid answers. They could be selling fakes.
Therefore, ensure you get the most information out of your supplier to help prevent the chance of purchasing a fake crystal.
Additionally, if you get good crystal but are quite skeptical about the price, chances are; it could be an imitation. Real crystals have higher prices since a lot is involved in their mining, processing, and shipping.
Also, whenever you get a weird or funny crystal name, that can be a red flag. Whether you are purchasing online or in-person, be keen on the names.
Names like Quartz, Jade, Jasper, and Labradorite are familiar.
On the other hand, Strawberry Turquoise, African Emerald, or Blue Moonstone are some funny names that can leave you questioning how authentic the crystal is.
Remember, if you doubt it, don’t pick it.
Also, to be sure of whether the retailer offers the real crystals or not, you can check through the reviews. The pictures and prices can also help you decide whether to settle for it or not.
Also, you should be aware that the quality might differ depending on the seller you choose.
However, you can keep off buying some crystals from Amazon.
Such include:
- Citrine
- Turquoise
- Clear quartz wands
- Malachite
This is because of imitation of the real crystals in the market, and you can fall, victim, when you lack the correct information.
Additionally, online purchases do not give you the freedom of choosing the crystal you want; you will get it once the delivery is made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Rocks be Made of a Single Mineral?
Rocks cannot be made of single minerals. They contain more than one mineral and sometimes contain other solid structures.
Does Amazon Sell Real Crystals?
Does Amazon Sell Real Crystals?
Yes, Amazon sells genuine crystals. As much as the platform has many retailers, the majority deal in authentic crystals. You can purchase crystals such as black tourmaline, Amethyst, Selenite, Rose quartz, and Green Aventurine.
Are there apps to Identify Rocks and Crystals?
Some of the available apps to identify rocks and crystals include smart geology, mineral guide, and rock identifier.
These apps are available either on the app store or google play. When using these apps, all you need to do is take a picture, upload and the app helps you identify what it is.
Are All Minerals Crystals?
Because all crystals are made from minerals, all crystals are minerals. Also, both of them have a crystalline atomic structure, but for a mineral to be a crystal, it has to occur naturally.
Final Thoughts on … How To Tell If a Stone Is a Crystal?
Natural crystals are great provisions from nature. Unfortunately, when purchasing, you might get an imitation rather than the real one.
To help you know how to tell if a stone is a crystal, you can check the name, the color, imperfections, and the level of MOHS hardness.
Furthermore, you can always talk to your retailer to find out its origin and more about it.
The amount of knowledge you gather here can help you tell whether it is authentic or not and if you can go on with the purchase.
If you enjoyed reading How To Tell If a Stone Is a Crystal? you will love Beginner Chakra Bracelet Meaning (Explained).
Resources
Check an extensive definition of rocks here.
Apps that can identify crystals and minerals include smart geology, mineral guide, and rock identifier.
Sustainability is also important to Michael and he always looks for ways to repurpose discarded materials, like used wine bottles and scrap metal, to reduce their impact on the environment.
Michael's articles on electroforming, crystals, gemstones, brazing, and welding are written to provide answers and guidance to others who are interested in learning about these crafts. He has a love for sharing his knowledge and helping others to create beautiful pieces of art.
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