How to Distinguish Real Tourmaline from Counterfeits
Identifying a real tourmaline stone can be crucial, especially when it comes to expensive gemstones. This guide offers several methods to help you differentiate between authentic and counterfeit tourmaline, ensuring you avoid costly scams and investing in genuine pieces.
1. Color: A Vivid Signature
One of the quickest ways to tell if a tourmaline is real is by examining its color. Real tourmaline boasts vivid pigmentation that remains unchanged over time. Fake versions, on the other hand, may display subtle shades or mottled coloring that lacks the vibrancy and consistency of natural stones. Another characteristic of real tourmaline is the presence of striations or fine lines within the stone's body, which synthetic stones typically do not exhibit.
2. Professional Verification: Gemologist's Expertise
If the stone has been faceted, taking it to a registered gemologist is a prudent approach. These professionals can measure the refractive index of the stone and provide a definitive assessment of its authenticity. Gemologists have the necessary tools and expertise to detect even the most sophisticated counterfeits.
3. Online Store Caution: Real Products, Fake Deliveries
The online marketplace for gemstones can be fraught with scams. Some online stores may display authentic products but deliver counterfeit stones, leaving unsuspecting buyers out of pocket. It is essential to adhere to reputable sources and be wary of excessively low prices, as these could indicate a fake tourmaline stone.
4. Common Counterfeit Materials and Tests
Artificial lapis lazuli has become increasingly common, and various materials such as vinyl imitations and glass imitations are often used. These fakes can be easy to spot, as vinyl imitations lack the coolness of the real stone, and glass imitations quickly heat up when held in your hand. It is noteworthy that high-quality lapis lazuli can scratch glass, but a knife could also scratch it. This test can help confirm the authenticity of the stone.
5. Inspecting the Quality and Appearance
A keen eye should be able to distinguish fake lapis lazuli by examining the coloring of the stone. Synthetics often appear more opaque, with a gray or dull muddy hue. In contrast, genuine lapis lazuli should exhibit an ultramarine color with a noticeable thickness. Genuine lapis lazuli can also include iron pyrites, resembling gold dust within the rock, which shine in sunlight and serve as an indicator of the stone's quality.
6. Final Words: Quality and Price are Key
The best way to ensure you are purchasing a real tourmaline stone is to buy from a reputable source and at a reasonable price. High-quality tourmaline is truly valuable, and its value is reflected in its price. Given the rarity and desirability of tourmaline, real pieces can be challenging to find. However, investing in a genuine tourmaline stone from a known and trusted source is well worth the effort and cost. Avoiding costly scams and acquiring the real thing is the ultimate goal.
Differentiating real from fake tourmaline is not only crucial for proper investment but also for appreciating the beauty of such natural gemstones. With careful examination and professional verification, you can ensure that the tourmaline you're considering is a genuine treasure, free from the deceit of counterfeits.