We’ve all been mesmerized by gemstones – their sparkle, their rarity, and the cool stories they hold from different cultures. No surprise we love owning them, whether it’s for that special piece of jewelry, an investment, or simply because they’re captivating. But with all the fakes out there (lab-made stones, imitations…), How can you tell if your gem is real?
Understanding Gemstones
The key is understanding a gem’s gemological composition and its visual characteristics. Gemological composition includes weight, density (how heavy it feels for its size), and specific gravity (a scientific term for density). For example, a real ruby will feel denser than a fake glass one that’s the same size.
Next, check out the gem’s color properties. Hue is the main color (like red, blue, green), saturation is how strong the color is, and transparency is how much light passes through. A real gem will usually have a richer color and exhibit transparency, making it look more vibrant.
Finally, there’s how the gem interacts with light. Luster describes how the surface reflects light (like glassy, metallic, or something in between). Fire is the phenomenon where light separates into colors as it passes through the gem, creating a rainbow effect. These features contribute to a real gem’s brilliance and value.
Want to learn more? You can find charts and lists online that showcase the various gemological properties of different gemstones.
Remember: By understanding a gem’s composition and its optical properties, you can distinguish a genuine gemstone from an imitation and become a gem connoisseur!
When in Doubt, Seek a Professional
For valuable stones or those requiring definitive identification, get your gem evaluated by a professional gemologist. They have advanced tools like refractometers to measure light refraction, a key indicator of a gem’s type.
