Amethyst is a popular gemstone known for its beautiful purple hue and spiritual properties. However, with so many imitations and fake stones on the market, it can be difficult to know if an amethyst is real or not. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key characteristics of real amethyst and provide tips for how to tell if an amethyst is authentic.
What is Amethyst?
Before we dive into how to tell if an amethyst is real, it’s important to understand what amethyst is and how it is formed. Amethyst is a variety of quartz that is typically purple in color, ranging from light lavender to deep violet. It is formed through a process known as hydrothermal deposition, which involves hot, mineral-rich water flowing through cracks and cavities in rocks and depositing minerals to form crystals.
What to Look for in a Real Amethyst
When looking for a real amethyst, there are a few key characteristics to look for:
- Color: Real amethysts should have a deep, vibrant purple color with no brown or gray undertones. The color should be consistent throughout the entire stone, with no patches of lighter or darker color.
- Clarity: Real amethysts should be clear and free from visible inclusions, which are internal imperfections that can affect the stone’s appearance and value.
- Hardness: Amethyst has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, which means it is relatively durable and resistant to scratching.
- Transparency: Amethyst should be transparent, meaning that light can pass through the stone and create a visible glow.
- Refractive Index: Amethyst has a refractive index of 1.544-1.553, which means that light passing through the stone is bent or refracted. This creates the beautiful sparkle and shine that amethysts are known for.
How to Test if an Amethyst is Real
If you’re still unsure whether an amethyst is real or not, there are a few simple tests you can do to help determine its authenticity:
-
Scratch Test
Amethysts have a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, which means they can scratch materials with a lower hardness, but can be scratched by materials with a higher hardness. Try scratching the amethyst with a sharp object like a knife or a piece of glass. If the stone is real, it should not scratch.
-
UV Light Test
Real amethysts will fluoresce under UV light. Shine a blacklight on the stone and look for a bright blue-purple glow. If the stone does not glow or glows a different color, it may not be real.
-
Heat Test
Amethysts can be sensitive to heat, so exposing the stone to high temperatures can help determine if it is real. Hold the stone in a pair of pliers and heat it with a lighter or torch for a few seconds. If the stone cracks or changes color, it may not be real.
-
Water Test
Real amethysts are not affected by water, so you can immerse the stone in water for a few minutes and see if it changes color or becomes cloudy. If it does, it may not be real.
-
Refractometer Test
A refractometer is a tool used to measure the refractive index of a gemstone. If you have access to a refractometer, you can use it to test the amethyst’s refractive index and see if it matches that of a real amethyst.
Conclusion
In conclusion, amethyst is a beautiful and valuable gemstone that is highly sought after for its deep purple color and spiritual properties. When looking for a real amethyst, be sure to look for key characteristics like color, clarity, hardness, transparency and refractive index. You can also perform tests like the scratch test, UV light test, heat test, water test, and refractometer test to determine if an amethyst is real. By being vigilant and informed, you can ensure that the amethysts you purchase or own are genuine and of high quality.
