As a gemstone enthusiast, I’ve often found myself in situations where I needed to determine whether a peridot stone is real or not. With so many imitation gemstones flooding the market, it’s crucial to be able to identify the real deal. Here, I’ll share some tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way to help you ensure that your peridot gemstone is genuine.
1. Colour Assessment
Peridot is known for its distinct green colour, ranging from olive green to vibrant lime green. When examining a peridot, the colour should be consistent throughout the stone. Be wary of stones with uneven colour distribution or colours that seem too dark or too light.
2. Clarity and Transparency
Real peridot stones often have some natural inclusions, but they should still maintain good transparency. If a peridot appears cloudy or has numerous visible flaws, it may not be genuine. Authentic peridots should allow light to pass through relatively easily.
3. Double Refraction Test
One fascinating characteristic of peridot is its double refraction property. You can test this by placing the peridot on a printed text or a line pattern. When looking through the stone, you should see a doubling effect of the text or lines. This is a strong indicator of a real peridot.
4. Hardness Test
Peridot has a hardness of around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale, which means it’s relatively durable. If you scratch a glass surface with your peridot and it leaves a mark, it’s likely not genuine. Real peridots should not be easily scratched.
5. Professional Appraisal
When in doubt, seek the expertise of a professional gemologist or jeweller. They can use specialized tools and techniques to determine the authenticity of your peridot stone.
6. Price and Source
Keep in mind that genuine peridot is not overly cheap. If you come across a peridot that seems too good to be true in terms of price, it’s worth investigating further. Additionally, purchase from reputable sources to reduce the risk of acquiring imitation stones.
7. Trustworthy Certification
Ask for a certification from a reputable gemological laboratory when buying peridot jewellery. This documentation can provide assurance of the stone’s authenticity.
Conclusion
Identifying genuine peridot stones involves a combination of visual inspection, knowledge of their properties, and, when necessary, seeking professional guidance. Remember that authentic peridot stones are valuable and stunning in their unique green hues. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your peridot jewellery is indeed the real deal, just like the captivating gemstone it should be.
