In a world where the demand for gemstones and crystals continues to grow, knowing how to distinguish authentic stones from synthetic or fake ones is essential for both collectors and spiritual practitioners. At Mestana Collective, we believe in the power of authenticity, not just in the stones we work with but also in the communities we support. Here's how to ensure you're getting real gemstones and crystals while making a meaningful impact on the world.
Why Authenticity Matters
Authentic gemstones and crystals aren’t just about physical beauty; they carry unique energies rooted in the Earth. When a crystal or gemstone is mined responsibly and with care, it retains the energetic integrity needed for healing and spiritual work. Buying fake stones not only diminishes the metaphysical properties but also perpetuates practices that exploit consumers and harm communities.
At Mestana Collective, we work exclusively with suppliers who source directly from mines. This ensures that the artisans and miners who extract these stones are fairly compensated, and that the process is respectful to the Earth.
Popular Gemstones and Their Natural Properties Under a Black Light
1. Examine Under a High-Powered Black Light:
A black light can help reveal fluorescence in some gemstones, which is a natural property for stones like fluorite and some quartz crystals. However, if a stone glows unnaturally or has an inconsistent pattern under UV light, it may be synthetic.
2. Look for Natural Inclusions:
Genuine crystals often have small imperfections or inclusions within the stone. These might appear as tiny cracks, air bubbles, or mineral deposits. Fake stones are often too perfect, with uniform color and no imperfections.
3. Check for Weight and Temperature:
Real stones are heavier than their fake counterparts because of their natural density. Additionally, genuine crystals feel cool to the touch, while fakes made of plastic or resin will warm quickly in your hand.
4. Inspect the Color:
Vibrant, unnatural colors are often a sign of dyed stones or glass imitations. For instance, turquoise that appears overly bright or uniform is likely fake or stabilized with resin.
5. Examine the Price:
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Genuine gemstones and crystals reflect the labor and care involved in mining, transporting, and processing them.
How to Spot Fake Gemstones and Crystals
Fluorite
Fluorescence: Bright blue, purple, green, or white under UV light.
Properties to Look For: Natural fluorite often has slight variations in color intensity and zoning patterns. Fake fluorite may have overly consistent colors or fail to fluoresce.
Amethyst
Fluorescence: Typically does not fluoresce under black light.
Properties to Look For: Real amethyst has visible striations and natural inclusions. If it glows brightly under black light, it’s likely dyed glass or synthetic.
Quartz (Clear, Rose, Smoky)
Fluorescence:
Clear Quartz: Often does not fluoresce, but some inclusions may.
Rose Quartz: May emit a soft orange or white glow.
Smoky Quartz: Rarely fluoresces unless treated or synthetic.
Properties to Look For: Natural quartz often has inclusions or imperfections. Completely flawless quartz could be synthetic.
Turquoise
Fluorescence: Rarely fluoresces brightly. Stabilized or dyed turquoise may glow blue or green.
Properties to Look For: Authentic turquoise often shows natural veining and variation in texture. Overly uniform color is a red flag.
Calcite
Fluorescence: Bright white, yellow, orange, or pink under UV light.
Properties to Look For: Calcite often has natural layers or banding, which fakes made from plastic or resin lack.
Selenite
Fluorescence: Soft white or orange glow.
Properties to Look For: Genuine selenite is cool to the touch and has natural striations. Fake selenite may appear overly shiny or lack striations.
Opal
Fluorescence: Soft green, blue, or white glow under UV light.
Properties to Look For: Authentic opals show natural play-of-color patterns, while fake opals often have uniform, pixel-like patterns.
Amber
Fluorescence: Emits a green or blue glow under UV light.
Properties to Look For: Real amber is lightweight, warm to the touch, and often contains inclusions like plant material or small insects.
Lapis Lazuli
Fluorescence: Does not fluoresce under UV light.
Properties to Look For: Look for gold-colored flecks of pyrite and a deep blue color. Fakes are often made from dyed stones or plastic.
What Type of Black Light Should You Use?
For best results, use a longwave UV light (UV-A), which operates between 315–400 nm. These lights are safe to use and are the most effective for testing gemstones without damaging them. Handheld UV flashlights are portable, affordable, and widely available online or in specialty stores.
The Importance of Supporting Ethical Sourcing
Beyond spotting fakes, it’s important to consider where your gemstones come from. The mining industry has historically been rife with exploitation, environmental damage, and unethical practices. By choosing suppliers and artisans who work directly with mines, you ensure that:
• Miners receive fair compensation and work under ethical conditions.
• The environment is respected, with minimal damage during extraction.
• The stones carry pure, untainted energy, perfect for spiritual work.
At Mestana Collective, we partner with communities and suppliers who maintain transparent, ethical practices. This commitment allows us to offer high-quality gemstones and crystals at fair prices while honoring the people and traditions behind their creation.
Conclusion
The next time you shop for crystals or gemstones, take a moment to examine them carefully and consider their journey. With a little knowledge and intention, you can ensure your collection is authentic, energetically pure, and ethically sourced.
At Mestana Collective, we ensure that every stone we offer is responsibly sourced and supports communities. Explore our collection to find the perfect, authentic stone for your spiritual and healing practices.
