Green fluorite, with its enchanting hues, is a gemstone coveted by many.
However, in a world where imitation runs rampant, distinguishing real green fluorite from its impostors becomes crucial.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to tell if your green fluorite is the real deal.
Hardness Test: Unveiling the Resilience
Commence your authenticity quest with a hardness test. Fluorite boasts a hardness of 4 on the Mohs scale.
A simple test involves attempting to scratch the stone with a steel knife or a piece of glass. If your green fluorite yields to the pressure, it’s a sign that it might be genuine.
UV Light Test: Illuminating the Truth
Shedding light on authenticity, quite literally, the UV light test is a reliable method. When exposed to ultraviolet light, real fluorite exhibits fluorescence, emitting a glow that can vary in colour.
Commonly, this fluorescence manifests in hues of blue or green, offering a visual clue to the stone’s authenticity.
Density Test: Weighing In on Authenticity
Authentic fluorite carries a certain heft due to its relative density.
If the stone feels surprisingly light for its size, it raises suspicions of being a counterfeit.
Visual Inspection: Imperfections as Proof
Real fluorite often wears its imperfections with pride. Visible inclusions, such as tiny bubbles or streaks, are indicative of genuine fluorite.
Conversely, fake fluorite tends to be flawless, lacking these natural blemishes.
Price: The Cost of Authenticity
Fluorite, while beautiful, is not an exorbitant gemstone. If you encounter a green fluorite being sold at an unusually high price, it should trigger skepticism about its authenticity.
Purchase from a Reputable Dealer: The Safest Bet
To mitigate the risk of purchasing a fake, opt for a reputable dealer.
Establishments with a good track record in dealing with genuine gemstones are your best assurance of authenticity.
Additional Tips to Navigate the Authenticity Maze
Beware of Perfection:
Authentic fluorite embraces imperfections. If a stone appears too flawless, it might be a red flag.
Caution with Low Prices:
If a deal seems too good to be true, exercise caution. Unusually low prices can often be an indicator of fake fluorite.
Ask for Certification:
Requesting a certificate of authenticity from the dealer adds an extra layer of assurance. This document verifies that the stone has undergone testing and is, indeed, genuine.
Conclusion:
In the intricate world of gemstones, discerning real green fluorite requires a keen eye and a mindful approach. By employing these tests and tips, you elevate your chances of acquiring an authentic piece of this captivating gemstone.
So, the next time you’re drawn to the mesmerizing green hues of fluorite, equip yourself with the knowledge to ensure that what you hold is a genuine piece of nature’s artistry.
Also Read: What Does Green Fluorite Do Spiritually