The use of synthetic stones in jewelry has become so widespread that it no longer surprises either sellers or buyers. Not every specialist can distinguish synthetic stone from natural without special equipment. But it is much cheaper.
Necessary
- - a piece of woolen fabric;
- - laboratory of a gemologist.
Instructions
Step 1
When choosing jewelry with topaz, give preference to colorless and light blue stones: they are quite cheap and, often, there is no point in counterfeiting them. Topaz of this color has another important advantage: they do not fade over time, while natural stones of a more intense color quickly lose their beautiful color, especially if they are constantly exposed to direct sunlight.
Step 2
Please note that red and green topaz are rarely found in nature and are not widely marketed. These topaz cost hundreds of times more than colorless, blue, greenish, yellow (tea) or pink (listed in ascending order of rarity and cost). Polychrome crystals are also among the most expensive and rare.
Step 3
Take the stone in your hands: it should be cold and not immediately warm from the warmth of your hand. Rub it with a piece of woolen cloth: the stone will become electrified and will attract light objects. Remember that it is guaranteed that a fake can only be distinguished by a specialist gemologist using laboratory equipment.
Step 4
Please note that topaz is often irradiated in order to enhance the natural, not bright color of the stone. Irradiated topaz loses its bright color in about two years, even if stored in the dark. Natural stone also fades, but tends to restore color in the dark. Irradiated stones are regarded as fakes and are at least two to three times cheaper than natural stones.
Step 5
Be wary of products with bright blue or blue topaz, which are quite cheap at the same time - most likely, these are irradiated and heat-treated natural blue or colorless topaz, which do not have this color in nature.
Step 6
Check out the varieties of natural topaz and their names: imperial topaz (yellow-orange), sherry or wine (orange-yellow to brown-pink), tea (pale yellow), silver (colorless), rutile (with yellow inclusions), Saxon chrysolite (yellow-green). The trade names for irradiated topaz are many and varied. The official trade name for imitations is citrine.
