With the rise in popularity of crystals, we have also seen an increase of synthetic stones on the market. With how real imitation stones often look, it can be difficult to tell the difference between genuine and faux stones. With this guide, you will be able to make informed decisions on whether or not the stone you're interested in is real or not!
Real Malachite Vs Fake Malachite
One of the most commonly imitated stones is Malachite. This spectacular green crystal is on the pricier and rarer side so people have figured out how to make faux versions using clay, plastic, or glass. Real natural Malachite is composed of different shades of green, super light sage green to a very dark forest green. Synthetic Malachite is usually created using only 2 colors; one shade of green and black.
Another difference between real Malachite and fake Malachite is the pattern. synthetic Malachite will be more uniform and have more repetition while real Malachite has many different curves and shapes and will have a variety of those on one individual piece.
Fake Malachite
Real Malachite
Real Turquoise Vs Fake Turquoise
Turquoise is also a usually faked stone. A lot of Turquoise for sale is actually dyed Howlite! So, it is still a powerful crystal, but it isn't the crystal it's advertised to be. Dyed Howlite is normally a bright blue with thicker, darker veining while real turquoise takes on a greener color with more abnormal spotting than veining.
Fake Turquoise (Dyed Howlite)
Real Turquoise
Real Citrine Vs Heat-Treated Amethyst
Real Citrine is becoming more rare by the year, which is why crystal dealers have started finding new ways to simulate the beautiful honey-colored stone. One way they have found to imitate Citrine is by heating up natural Amethyst. This produces a deep orange color in place of the purple, with the same cluster formation as Amethyst. Natural real Citrine has the same formation as clear quartz (longer points) and it usually is more of a light yellow, honey color.
Heat-Treated Amethyst
Real Natural Citrine