Buzz
Amethyst is a highly prized gemstone, loved for its enchanting purple hues. If you own a piece of amethyst jewelry or decor, you might be wondering if it's authentic. Synthetic amethyst is quite common, and distinguishing the real from the fake can be challenging, but you can examine the cut, color, and clarity to determine authenticity. If you're uncertain, it's advisable to consult a professional gemologist.
Steps
Examine the gemstone
Check the color. Genuine amethyst comes in shades of purple, with hues of violet and bluish purple. Some stones may have a pinkish tint, but it remains predominantly purple.
- The color of amethyst varies in intensity. Some stones are light and only have a subtle purple hue, while others are so dark they may appear almost black under certain lighting conditions.
- A genuine amethyst will not have a completely uniform color. The stone will display multiple shades of purple, and the color might slightly change under different lighting conditions.
- Color zoning refers to uneven color distribution within the stone. Real amethyst may exhibit color zoning, a characteristic that can decrease its value, usually noticeable when placed on a white surface.
Examine the transparency of the gemstone. Transparency can also help identify genuine amethyst. Amethyst typically has an ‘eye-clean’ clarity. This term refers to stones without inclusions, meaning impurities trapped during the gemstone's formation, which can be seen with the naked eye. A real amethyst will have high transparency, with little to no bubbles or discoloration.
Examine the cut. Amethyst is a relatively easy stone to cut, which is why amethyst jewelry comes in various shapes and sizes. You might find amethyst stones cut into round, pear, square, heart shapes, and many others. Due to its ease of cutting, natural amethyst is often polished and smoothed before being sold.
- If the amethyst you’re checking is round, pay attention to its color distribution. If there are various shades, it’s likely to be genuine. Jewelers tend to cut stones with color changes into round shapes to conceal the color variations.
Look for flaws or inconsistencies. Genuine stones often have minor imperfections. There may be color zoning and hints of white or green alongside the purple hue. A stone with only one shade of purple is likely synthetic. You may also notice flaws such as bubbles or cracks within the amethyst. A real stone will show signs of wear over time.
- Carefully inspect the stone for uneven areas. Genuine amethyst is more valuable if it’s cut or shaped to minimize defects like uneven color or scratches, so you should examine it closely for imperfections. A magnifying glass may be useful for this inspection.
Test the specific gravity of the gemstone. Specific gravity is a term used in gemology to refer to the relative density of a gemstone. Amethyst has a specific gravity of about 2.65. You can measure the specific gravity using a large enough measuring cup to fit the gemstone and a scale.
- First, record the weight of the measuring cup. Then, record the weight of the amethyst. Afterward, pour water into the cup and note the water level.
- Place the amethyst into the cup. The water level will rise. Subtract the old water level from the new one to find the displaced water volume.
- Remove the stone and discard the water. Refill the cup with the displaced water.
- Weigh the cup with the displaced water. Subtract the cup’s weight without water. The result will give you the weight of the displaced water. To find the specific gravity, divide the weight of the amethyst by the weight of the displaced water. If the result is approximately 2.65, it’s likely genuine amethyst.
Test the hardness of the gemstone. The hardness of a gemstone is measured on a scale from 1 to 10. Amethyst has a hardness of 7, meaning it’s relatively hard. While the hardness test isn’t highly precise, you can check its scratch resistance against other gemstones. If your amethyst is genuine, it will resist scratching from any material with a hardness below 7 on the scale.
- Common everyday items fall lower on the hardness scale. Fingernails have a hardness of 2. A razor blade has a hardness of 5. Steel has a hardness of 6.5.
- Try lightly scratching the amethyst with your fingernail or a razor blade. You can also rub the amethyst against a steel object like a knife or axe. A genuine amethyst will not be scratched by these materials. If it scratches, it may not be authentic.
Consider having it professionally evaluated. The only way to ensure the authenticity of your amethyst is to have it assessed by an expert. You can take your amethyst to a jeweler for an evaluation. The cost will depend on the size of the stone. If you truly care about confirming the authenticity of the stone, the price you pay is worth the peace of mind knowing that you own a genuine gemstone.
- The evaluation process can determine whether the amethyst comes from a geode. Many amethysts originate from such deposits.
Consider the seller
Find a reputable gemstone seller. To ensure you are getting a genuine stone, it’s important to seek out a trustworthy seller. You are less likely to encounter fake amethyst if you purchase from a reliable retailer.
- Ask jewelry enthusiasts you know. This is the easiest way to find a trustworthy gemstone vendor. If you have friends with expensive jewelry, ask them where they buy their gems at the best prices. Your friends may recommend a reliable seller.
- In the United States, the American Gem Trade Association, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Jewelers Board of Trade are organizations that ensure integrity and quality in the gemstone trade. If a gemstone seller is a member of one of these organizations, they are likely trustworthy.
- If the stone comes with a certificate confirming its properties such as specific gravity and hardness, that’s even better. You should buy from gemstone vendors who provide such certificates.
Ask about the stone’s origin. A reputable seller will not hesitate to answer your questions about their products. Ask where the amethyst comes from. If the seller is reluctant to answer, it’s a red flag. A trustworthy seller will know the origins of their stones.
- Amethyst is typically found in Brazil, South Africa, and Namibia. In the United States, amethyst is commonly sourced from Arizona, Colorado, and the Carolinas. Some areas of Canada also produce amethyst.
- If the stone doesn’t originate from one of these regions, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s fake. Amethyst can be found worldwide. However, you should request a certificate of authenticity if the stone is from an unfamiliar location.
Consider the price. Amethyst is generally affordable. You can easily find amethyst jewelry for around $20 (450,000 VND). If a piece is priced lower than this, be suspicious. Many retailers might advertise their amethyst as genuine and sell it much cheaper than the market value to make it appear like a bargain. Remember the saying, “You get what you pay for,” and steer clear of exceptionally cheap gemstones.
Edward Lewand
Expert Gemstone Assessor & Appraiser
Expert Gemstone Assessor & Appraiser
Consider pricing when evaluating an amethyst stone. A high-quality 5-carat amethyst sold in bulk typically costs around $50 (1,100,000 VND) per carat, meaning you’d pay between $100-$150 (2,200,000 – 3,400,000 VND) per carat in retail. However, you may sometimes find amethyst at significantly lower prices, especially if it’s antique or sold off at clearance rates. In such cases, you might be able to purchase a 5-10 carat amethyst for just $20-$30 per carat.
Ask questions before purchasing. When buying amethyst, inquire about details such as where the gemstone was mined, how it was cut, etc. If the seller can easily answer these questions, it’s more likely that their goods are genuine. If they seem reluctant to provide information, they might be hiding something. It’s better to find another seller in such cases.
Beware of unfamiliar names. Many stores label synthetic amethyst or low-quality purple sapphire as a special type of amethyst. Terms like Japanese amethyst, desert amethyst, lithia amethyst, or Bengal amethyst often refer to fake stones. Don’t trust these names, as they are typically used for imitation gems.
Find legitimate online retailers. While online gemstone purchases are often discouraged due to fraud risks, if you decide to buy online, look for reputable websites.
- The seller should be connected to recognized organizations. They should also provide their business name, phone number, and physical address.
- Check to ensure the business is active. The website content should be regularly updated, and they should provide stock information.
- Read all available reviews. If many customers report issues with a store, there is likely a reason for the negative feedback. Avoid buying amethyst online from stores without a return policy.
Advice
- Buy from reputable suppliers. While you may have to pay a bit more, it is well worth it if you truly want to own an authentic amethyst gemstone.
