How to Accurately Identify Amethyst?

Jan 01, 1970 by hahawhale

Here are several methods to tell if you have a real amethyst:
 
1. Visual Inspection
 
  • Color: A genuine amethyst typically has a rich, natural - looking purple color. The color should be evenly distributed throughout the crystal in most cases. However, it's important to note that natural amethysts can have color zoning, where the intensity of the purple may vary slightly in different parts of the crystal. If the color is too bright and looks artificial, like a vivid purple dye, it might be a fake. For example, a very neon - purple stone that doesn't resemble the natural hues of amethyst is suspect.
  • Clarity: Real amethysts often have some inclusions. These are natural internal features such as small cracks, mineral inclusions, or cloudy areas. A completely flawless amethyst is possible but quite rare. If a stone appears overly perfect, with no visible inclusions under a magnifying glass or loupe, it could be a synthetic or imitation.
  • Shape and Form: Natural amethysts have characteristic crystal shapes. They usually form as six - sided prisms with pointed terminations. If the crystal shape looks unnatural or has irregularities that don't match the typical growth patterns of quartz (of which amethyst is a variety), it might not be a real amethyst.
 
2. Hardness Test
 
  • Amethyst is a relatively hard mineral with a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. You can try to scratch the surface of the suspected amethyst with a material of known hardness. For example, it should be able to scratch glass (hardness of around 5 - 5.5), but it won't be scratched by materials like topaz (hardness of 8). However, this test should be done with caution as it can potentially damage the stone if it is real.
 
3. Specific Gravity Test
 
  • The specific gravity of amethyst is around 2.65. You can compare the weight of the suspected amethyst to a similar - sized stone of a known material with a different specific gravity. For example, if you have a stone of the same size that you know is a different gemstone or a fake material, you can weigh them both. If the weight is significantly different from what you'd expect for an amethyst, it could be a sign that it's not genuine. This test requires some knowledge of the densities of different materials and access to accurate weighing equipment.
 
4. Heat and UV Tests (with Caution)
 
  • Heat Test: Natural amethysts can change color when heated. If you heat a real amethyst very gently (this should be done by a professional as improper heating can damage the stone), it may turn yellow or colorless. But this test is not foolproof as some synthetic amethysts can also show color changes under heat.
  • UV Test: Under ultraviolet light, some real amethysts may fluoresce. They can show a range of colors from weak white to a stronger red - purple glow. However, not all amethysts fluoresce, and some synthetic or imitation stones can also be made to fluoresce, so this test is only a supplementary indication.

     

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