1. The Fog Test (Quick Check)

How: Breathe on the gemstone like fogging a mirror.

Real Gemstone: Fog disappears almost instantly (1-2 seconds)
Fake/Glass: Fog lingers for 3-5+ seconds

Works for: Most gemstones vs glass. Not reliable for lab-created stones.

2. The Scratch Test (Use Carefully)

How: Try to scratch the stone with a material of known hardness.

Sapphire (Mohs 9): Won't scratch with steel or glass
Amethyst (Mohs 7): Scratches glass but not steel
Glass (Mohs 5-6): Scratches easily with steel

Warning: Can damage the stone. Use on an inconspicuous area only.

3. The Loupe Test (10x Magnification)

How: Examine the stone under 10x magnification.

Natural Gemstone: Natural inclusions, color zoning, growth patterns
Lab-Created: Too perfect, curved growth lines, gas bubbles
Glass: Bubbles, swirl marks, no crystal structure

Best for: Identifying obvious fakes and glass. Requires practice.

4. The Weight Test

How: Compare the weight to known gemstones of similar size.

Real Gemstone: Feels substantial and heavy
Glass/Plastic: Feels lighter than expected

Note: Different gemstones have different densities. Sapphire is heavier than amethyst at the same size.

❌ Too Good to Be True

A 5ct natural sapphire for $50? Fake. If the price is dramatically below market value, it's likely not real.

❌ No Treatment Disclosure

Reputable sellers always disclose treatments. If they won't tell you, walk away.

❌ Vague Origin

"From Asia" or "Natural stone" without specifics is suspicious. Real sellers know their sources.

❌ No Return Policy

Legitimate sellers offer returns. No return policy often means they're hiding something.

❌ Refuses Certification

Won't provide or allow independent certification? Major red flag for expensive stones.

❌ Perfect Clarity

Flawless natural gemstones are extremely rare and expensive. Too perfect = likely lab-created.

GIA Certification

What: Gemological Institute of America - world's most respected lab
Cost: $100-$500+ depending on stone
Provides: Origin, treatment, quality grading, authenticity

Spectroscopy Testing

What: Analyzes light absorption to identify gemstone type
Where: Professional gemological labs
Accuracy: 99%+ for identifying natural vs synthetic

Refractive Index Testing

What: Measures how light bends through the stone
Where: Gemologists with refractometer equipment
Identifies: Gemstone type and detects glass/plastic

Sapphire Authentication

Natural: Color zoning, silk inclusions, natural growth patterns
Synthetic: Curved growth lines, too perfect, gas bubbles
Test: UV light (natural sapphires show different fluorescence)

Amethyst Authentication

Natural: Color zoning, natural inclusions, cool to touch
Synthetic: Uniform color, too perfect, may feel warm
Test: Hardness test (should scratch glass)

Blue Topaz Authentication

Natural (Treated): Irradiation treatment is standard and permanent
Fake: Glass or blue spinel sold as topaz
Test: Hardness (Mohs 8, harder than glass)

🇦🇺 Direct from Source

We're based in Anakie Gemfields, Queensland with direct access to Australian gemstone sources. We know exactly where our stones come from.

💎 100% Natural Guarantee

We never sell synthetic or lab-created stones. Every gemstone is 100% natural with all treatments clearly disclosed.

📜 Certification Available

We can arrange independent GIA or AGS certification for any gemstone. We have nothing to hide.

🔄 30-Day Guarantee

Not satisfied? Return within 30 days for a full refund. We stand behind every stone we sell.