However, the increasing demand for this precious gem has led to the introduction of numerous synthetic and imitation versions in the market.
Whether you are a collector, a jeweler, or someone interested in working with peridot for its healing abilities, knowing how to distinguish a genuine peridot from a fake is essential.
This guide aims to offer a thorough examination of the methods to authenticate a peridot stone.
Let’s get into it.
The Importance Of Making Sure Your Peridot Is Real
As with any crystal, when you’re looking to purchase peridot, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the real deal. Why? Well, firstly, peridot is not a cheap crystal, so if you’re spending your hard-earned cash on it, you want to ensure it’s genuine.
Secondly, if you’re working with peridot for its physical and metaphysical healing abilities, then it’s important you’re working with the right stone for the job – and one that is real and not a fake.
Finally, by ensuring your peridot is real, you’re helping to avoid fuelling the fake market. By knowing exactly what you’re buying, you can avoid giving money to those who are looking to scam their customers.
Below, we will go into more detail to help you tell the difference between real and fake peridot crystals.
Peridot is versatile and can be cut into a range of shapes like round, oval, and pear.
However, certain complex shapes and facets are difficult to achieve with genuine material. If you find a peridot in an unusual cut, investigate further to ascertain its authenticity.
Physical Tests
Next up are the physical tests. We would encourage you to be cautious with these techniques as you don’t want to inadvertently damage your peridot:
The Scratch Test
Peridot has a Mohs hardness that falls between 6.5 and 7, positioning it somewhere between the hardness of a steel nail and that of quartz.
This means that while it can be scratched by harder substances like diamond, it should easily scratch softer materials, such as glass.
Conducting a scratch test can be risky, so it’s advisable to perform it cautiously to avoid damaging the stone.
Density And Specific Gravity
Peridot has a density of approximately 3.2 to 3.4 grams per cubic centimeter.
One can determine the density through a water displacement test, although this requires some expertise.
Nonetheless, density measurements offer a reliable method to authenticate peridot.
Advanced Testing Techniques
If it’s still unclear whether your peridot is real or not, there are further tests you can try:
Spectroscopy
Spectroscopy is a highly reliable method employed by gemologists to determine the elemental composition of gemstones.
A spectroscope analyzes the light that passes through the gemstone, revealing its interaction with the elements present in the stone.
The resulting spectral lines can provide conclusive proof regarding a peridot’s authenticity.
Consulting Certified Gemologists
For those who are not experts in gemology, consulting a certified gemologist is highly recommended. These professionals are equipped to conduct a series of specialized tests to offer a definitive verdict about the genuineness of a peridot.
Top Tips For Buying Genuine Peridot Crystals
The best way to tell if your peridot is real is to do the due diligence upfront before you make a purchase.
Here are some things to consider when purchasing peridot:
Price Evaluation
Peridots are generally more affordable than other green gemstones like emeralds, but this doesn’t mean they’re cheap.
Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Always compare prices from different vendors and check for market rates to ensure you are not buying a fake.
Vendor Reputation
Vendor credibility can significantly influence the authenticity of the gemstone you are purchasing.
Always buy from reputable dealers who are known for their integrity and transparency.
Check if the seller provides a return policy and guarantee on their products.
Online Reviews
Shopping online presents its challenges. However, online reviews and customer testimonials can be useful in assessing the quality and authenticity of a peridot gem being sold online.
Certification
When buying a peridot, it’s advisable to ask for a certificate of authenticity.
Such a document usually outlines important details about the gemstone, including its origin, dimensions, cut, and overall quality.
Reputed sellers often provide certification to back the authenticity of their products.
Authenticating a peridot involves a layered approach combining visual inspection, physical tests, advanced techniques, and careful vendor verification.
Whether you are an enthusiast or a seasoned collector, this comprehensive guide should equip you with the knowledge needed to distinguish real peridots from fakes convincingly.
Always remember that when in doubt, consult a certified gemologist for a conclusive identification.
This multi-pronged strategy will ensure you invest in a genuine, high-quality peridot gemstone.
Hi, my name is Andrea Daehma and I have been collecting and using crystals in my everyday life for just over six years now.
I have my own collection of crystals gracing my house, several for every scenario I could think of.
Learning about crystals has truly changed my life, and I want to help others turn their life around too. Please enjoy my website and find your own small stone to begin your crystal journey with!
