How to Know if Amethyst is Real: 7 Easy Tests to Spot Fake Gemstones

Amethyst, with its stunning purple hues, has been treasured for centuries as a symbol of peace and protection. But with the rise of synthetic gemstones and imitations, it's becoming increasingly difficult to tell the real thing from the fake. Whether you're a gemstone enthusiast or a first-time buyer, knowing how to identify genuine amethyst is essential. In this guide, we'll walk you through 7 simple tests to help you know if amethyst is real and ensure that your amethyst is the real deal.

Understanding Real Amethysts

What is Amethyst?

Amethyst is a striking purple variety of quartz composed of silicon dioxide, with its vivid color resulting from iron impurities and natural radiation. It ranges from pale lavender to deep violet, with the most valuable stones exhibiting rich hues and subtle color zoning. Amethyst forms in cavities in rocks, often in volcanic environments. These cavities, called geodes, can be quite large and sometimes contain stunning displays of Amethyst crystals. Amethyst is a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it durable for jewelry and decorative items.

Where Can You Find Real Amethyst?

Amethyst is found in many places around the world! Major sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, and Madagascar. These locations are known for their significant amethyst deposits, contributing to the gemstone's popularity in jewelry and decorative arts.

What Does Amethyst Look Like?

Amethyst is a gemstone best known for its distinctive purple color. This can range from pale lilac to deep reddish purple, with the most prized stones exhibiting rich, deep purple hues and subtle color zoning. It can be transparent to translucent, allowing light to pass through to varying degrees.

Amethyst Physical & Healing Properties

How to Know If Amethyst is Real?

1. Check the Color

1.4ct Oval Purple Amethyst & Diamond Engagement Ring Vintage Twist Ring in 14K Rose Gold

Genuine amethyst exhibits a range of purple hues, from deep violet to lighter lavender. The color should appear consistent and natural throughout the stone, without being overly saturated or uneven. Genuine amethysts often have "color zoning," where some areas of the stone are more deeply colored than others.

Fake amethyst is a type of imitation stone, such as glass or dyed quartz, that often has an overly vivid or uniform purple color that looks unnatural.

2. Check the Clarity

Genuine amethyst often has natural inclusions (internal imperfections) that may look like tiny feathers, veins, or small crystal formations inside the stone. These can be seen under magnification and add to the character of the stone.   

Fake amethyst can be clear with no inclusions at all, which can be a sign of a synthetic stone. However, some fake amethysts may have artificially created inclusions.   

You can tilt the stone under a bright light to see any internal cracks, bubbles, or color variations. If you have access to a real amethyst, compare the internal features to detect differences.

3. Hardness Test

Yellow Gold Baguette Cut Amethyst Diamond Ring Stackable Band February Birthstone

Genuine amethyst is a 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it relatively durable and resistant to scratching. You'll need an object with a known hardness, such as A steel knife (hardness about 5.5). A piece of glass (hardness about 5.5). A copper coin (hardness about 3). If the stone is real amethyst, it should not scratch easily because it is harder than steel and glass. If the stone is fake (e.g. glass or plastic), it will scratch easily. However, be careful when performing a scratch test as it may damage the stone.

4. Testing for Temperature

Testing the temperature of amethyst can help determine its authenticity. Genuine amethyst, being a natural stone, typically feels cooler to the touch compared to synthetic options or glass simulants. You can hold the amethyst stone in your hand for a minute. Natural amethyst will maintain a cooler temperature longer than synthetic stones, which may feel warmer due to their different thermal properties.

5. Use the UV Light Test

2ct Oval Cut Amethyst & Diamond Engagement Ring Pave Anniversary Promise Ring in 14K Rose Gold

Using a UV light test is an effective way to determine if amethyst is genuine. Use a UV (ultraviolet) flashlight or lamp near the amethyst stone and observe its reaction. Genuine amethyst may show slight color zoning or fluorescence under UV light, but it won't glow brightly. Synthetic amethyst or glass imitations may show more fluorescence and often appear more vivid or unnatural under UV light.

6. Examine the Cut and Shape

The cut and shape of an amethyst can provide some clues to its authenticity. Genuine amethysts are often cut with precision to enhance their natural beauty. A well-cut stone (e.g., oval, round, or cushion) will have symmetrical facets that reflect light properly and create brilliance. Look for clean, sharp facets and a well-polished surface. Mass-produced fakes may have perfectly symmetrical cuts or unusual shapes.

7. Consult a Professional

Juyoyo Marquise-Cut Amethyst Yellow Gold Stacking Eternity Wedding Band

If you're unsure, take the amethyst to a reputable jeweler or gemologist for a professional examination. Consulting a professional gemologist or jeweler is the most reliable way to determine if an amethyst is genuine. They have the training, experience, and tools to accurately evaluate gemstones. When making your assessment, trust the gemologist's experience and knowledge. They can provide insights that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. You should be aware that consulting a professional may involve a fee, but this investment can provide peace of mind and valuable information.

Conclusion

Now that you're an amethyst expert, it's time to put your knowledge to the test! Explore the vast collection of exquisite amethyst jewelry and loose stones at Juyoyo, your trusted source for genuine gemstones. From delicate necklaces to unique engagement rings, Juyoyo offers a wide selection of amethyst treasures to adorn your life and elevate your style.