Real vs. Fake: How to Tell If a Gemstone Is Genuine or Plastic
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Gemstones hold centuries of beauty, symbolism, and value—but not all that sparkles is authentic. In today’s market, plastic imitations and synthetic substitutes are more common than ever. Whether you’re buying a piece of jewelry or examining one you already own, knowing how to spot the difference can protect your investment and appreciation.
Here’s how to tell if a gemstone is real or just plastic pretending to be precious.
1. Temperature Test
Real Gemstone: Feels cool to the touch and takes time to warm up.
Plastic: Warms quickly and may feel room temperature right away.
Why? Natural stones retain cold due to their density and structure, unlike lightweight plastic.
2. Weight Comparison
Real Gemstone: Generally heavier than plastic of the same size.
Plastic: Feels unnaturally light.
Pro tip: If you have another similar-sized gemstone that you know is real, compare their weights in your hand.
3. Surface Check
Real Gemstone: May have minor imperfections, natural inclusions, or slight color variations.
Plastic: Often looks too “perfect” or uniformly colored.
Look closely under a light or magnifying glass. Natural stones often carry a unique internal character.
4. Sound Test
Real Gemstone Beads: When tapped together, they make a sharp, glassy sound.
Plastic Beads: Sound dull or clicky like acrylic.
Try gently tapping two beads or stones against each other and listen carefully.
5. Heat and Burn Test (Caution!)
Plastic: May emit a chemical or burnt smell and melt if touched by a hot needle.
Real Stone: Will not melt or burn.
Note: This is a last-resort test and should be performed only with extreme caution—or better yet, avoided unless you're a professional.
6. The Water Drop Test (for Faceted Stones)
Put a small drop of water on the surface of the stone:
Real Gemstone: Water tends to stay rounded and in place.
Plastic: Water spreads out more easily due to surface tension differences.
7. Seek a Professional Opinion
When in doubt, visit a trusted jeweler. At Olkimos, we inspect gemstones using magnification tools and knowledge of mineral structure to verify authenticity. Some stones require advanced methods like spectroscopy or thermal conductivity to confirm.
Final Thought
Plastic imitations can look convincing at first glance, but with the right checks—and an expert eye—you can distinguish between the fake and the valuable. When buying gemstone jewelry, always seek reputable sellers who disclose the origin and nature of the stones.