How to distinguish between real and fake crystals

This article provides methods for distinguishing between natural and fake crystals, primarily through comparisons of color distribution, texture characteristics, bubble observation, luster performance, double refraction, temperature sensation, hardness testing, and the dichroism of purple crystals. Here are the main contents:

1. Color Distribution:
   • Natural crystals have uneven color distribution: A string of natural crystals will show noticeable color variations.
   • Fake crystals have uniform color: The color is typically consistent, lacking the natural unevenness.
2. Texture Characteristics:
   • Natural crystals have horizontal stripes or flocculent textures: They can exhibit horizontal stripes, flocculence, or other natural textures.
   • Fake crystals lack horizontal stripes or flocculence and contain residual crystal fragments: They are often made by melting glass fragments and then polishing, lacking natural textures.
3. Bubble Observation:
   • Natural crystals have no bubbles: Under a 10x magnifying glass, natural crystals will not have small bubbles inside.
   • Fake crystals have bubbles: Both fake and artificial crystals may have small bubbles visible under a 10x magnifying glass.
4. Luster Performance:
   • Natural crystals emit a beautiful luster: In sunlight, natural crystals will emit a beautiful glow from any angle.
   • Fake crystals lack a beautiful luster: They cannot exhibit the luster of natural crystals.
5. Double Refraction:
   • Natural crystals have double images: When looking through a crystal at a hair, a double image can be seen.
   • Fake crystals lack double images: However, some high-quality artificial crystals can also show double images.
6. Temperature Sensation:
   • Natural crystals feel cool to the touch: Even if held in the hand for 1-2 minutes, they will not heat up.
   • Fake crystals do not have a cool feeling: They will not have the cool sensation of natural crystals.
7. Hardness Testing:
   • Natural crystals have high hardness: Lightly scratching a crystal with a piece of gravel will not leave a mark.
   • Fake crystals will leave marks: If scratches or stripes are left, it is a fake crystal.
8. Dichroism of Purple Crystals:
   • Natural purple crystals have dichroism: They will exhibit dichroism when inspected.
   • Fake purple crystals lack dichroism: They cannot exhibit the dichroism of natural purple crystals.

Overall, this article elaborates on how to distinguish between natural and fake crystals through multiple comparisons, providing consumers with practical identification methods and criteria.