Amethyst is a beautiful purple variety of quartz that is popular in jewelry. But with its popularity comes fakes and synthetics that can be hard to spot. So how do you know if your amethyst is real? Here are some tips to help determine if your amethyst is a genuine natural stone.
Check The Color
A real amethyst will exhibit a range of purple hues. While many picture a deep purple color, amethyst can range from very light lavender to deep violet. Most stones will show some variation and zoning rather than a uniform solid color throughout. Synthetic amethyst is typically more homogenous in color.
With real amethyst, holding it under different lighting can make the color appear lighter or darker. Incandescent bulbs bring out reddish undertones, while sunlight makes the purple stand out more. The color under natural light is the truest representation.
Examine Under Magnification
Use a 10x loupe or magnifying glass to inspect the amethyst. Natural amethyst has distinct crystalline structures and growth patterns that are visible under magnification. You’ll see triangular, hexagonal or rectangular shapes in the stone. Synthetic amethyst looks more like uniform colored glass under magnification with few discernible crystal shapes.
Check for inclusions
Real amethyst will have tiny natural mineral inclusions. These “birthmarks” of the stone can appear as small crystals or feathery veils inside when magnified. Synthetic amethyst is manufactured to be near flawless with almost no inclusions.
While too many large visible inclusions will decrease an amethyst’s value, small inclusions prove it formed naturally. Cloudy areas, tiny crystals, fingerprint-like cavities or white, black or brown dots are good signs.
Do a Scratch Test
Natural amethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7, so you can do a scratch test to help authenticate it. Use a sharp pin or steel knife to attempt to scratch the surface of the amethyst. If the amethyst gets scratched, it may be synthetic. Real amethyst will not be scratched by a steel knife.
Be careful not to chip or damage the stone while scratch testing. It’s also best to test an inconspicuous area on the back or bottom rather than main facets.
Evaluate the Cut
Most amethyst gemstones are cut in standard faceting styles to maximize brilliance. The traditional shapes are round brilliant, oval, cushion, emerald cut, and trillion. Freeform and unusual cuts are rare for amethyst. If the stone has an odd shape, it may be synthetic.
Additionally, a well-cut amethyst has facets that meet and reflect light evenly across the surface. You shouldn’t see any “dead” or light-leaking areas between facets. Poor cut quality can be a red flag for a fake.
Examine the Setting
How the amethyst is bezel set or prong set in the jewelry can offer clues about its authenticity. Synthetic stones are usually set in low-quality metal alloys. Real amethyst will be set in gold, sterling silver, platinum or other quality metals.
Cheap prong or bezel settings paired with a high carat and flawless looking amethyst are a sign it’s not a real stone. The quality and workmanship of the setting should match that of a real gemstone.
Get a Professional Appraisal
If you need definitive proof of your amethyst’s authenticity, consult with a qualified gemologist or gemological appraisal laboratory. They can conduct advanced testing to determine if an amethyst is real, synthetic, treated or imitation. Professional labs can detect any enhancements, dyes or clarity treatments.
Common appraisal tests used are refractive index readings, specific gravity measurements, microscopic inspection, spectroscopy, and advanced spectrometer analysis. These scientific evaluations can verify if an amethyst rates as a genuine stone.
Trust Your Instincts
If you purchase an amethyst from a reputable jeweler and the price seems fair compared to the carat, cut and clarity, it’s more likely to be real. Your instincts can serve as a guide too. If you think an amethyst is too perfect in color or clarity for the price, it probably is.
By following these guidelines on evaluating color, inclusions, cut quality, settings and professional appraisals, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about the authenticity of your amethyst. Take your time examining the stone under different lighting and magnification before making a final judgment. With careful inspection and common sense, determining whether an amethyst is real or synthetic is possible.
