How to Know If You Are Buying a Real and Untreated Gemstone: A Buyer’s Guide

Photo byAbid Hussain

When purchasing gemstones, ensuring that you are buying a real and untreated stone is crucial for making an informed and satisfying investment. Treated gemstones can look stunning, but their astrological impact is less . Also understanding their authenticity and treatment history helps you make the best choice. Here’s a guide to help you determine if a gemstone is real and untreated.

1. Understand Common Treatments

Before assessing a gemstone’s authenticity and treatment status, familiarize yourself with common treatments:

• Heat Treatment: Used to enhance color and clarity, often applied to sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.
• Irradiation: Alters color, frequently used on diamonds, topaz, and quartz.
• Laser Drilling: Clears inclusions or flaws, commonly used for diamonds.
• Dyeing: Changes or enhances color, applied to stones like turquoise and jade.
• Fracture Filling: Fills cracks with glass or resin, often used for diamonds and emeralds.

2. Request a Certificate

One of the most reliable ways to confirm a gemstone’s authenticity and treatment status is through certification. Reputable gemological laboratories provide detailed certificates that disclose any treatments or enhancements. Always ask for a certificate from a well-regarded gemological lab when purchasing a gemstone. This document will verify whether the gemstone is untreated and authentic.

3. Examine Visual Clues

Certain visual clues can help you identify whether a gemstone has been treated:

• Color Consistency: Untreated gemstones typically have natural variations in color. Look for any uniform or overly vivid colors that might suggest treatment.
• Inclusions: Natural gemstones often contain inclusions, which are imperfections or internal features. Check for consistent, natural inclusions rather than signs of enhancements like filled cracks or bubbles.

4. Use Magnification Tools

A magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe can help you inspect the gemstone more closely. Here’s what to look for:

• Inclusions and Surface Features: Examine the gemstone for natural inclusions or imperfections. Treated stones may exhibit signs of filling materials or artificial enhancements.
• Surface Examination: Untreated gemstones should have natural surface features without any unusual reflections or glimmers that might indicate filling materials or coatings.

5. Seek Expert Evaluation

If you’re unsure about a gemstone’s authenticity or treatment status, consult a certified gemologist. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to accurately assess gemstones and can provide detailed information about their treatment history. 

6. Know the Typical Treatments for Specific Stones

Understanding the common treatments for different types of gemstones can help you assess their authenticity. For instance, many emeralds from certain regions are commonly treated with oil, while some rubies are heat-treated. Researching typical treatments for specific gemstones can guide you in evaluating their natural state.

7. Consider the Price

While not always definitive, the price of a gemstone can sometimes reflect its treatment status. Untreated gemstones are often priced higher than treated ones. If a gemstone is priced unusually low, it might be worth investigating further to confirm its authenticity and treatment status.

8. Educate Yourself

Educating yourself about gemstone treatments and characteristics can greatly assist in determining whether a gemstone is real and untreated. Consider attending workshops or using online resources to learn more about gemstone identification and treatments.

8. Buy from a reputed seller

Buy the gemstones from a trusted and transparent seller like Vedic Crystals who is completely transparent in the treatment of stones and deals ideally only in authentic gemstones

Conclusion

Determining whether a gemstone is real and untreated involves a combination of research, observation, and expert consultation. By understanding common treatments, requesting certification, and examining the gemstone closely, you can make informed decisions and ensure that your purchase is both genuine and natural. Knowledge is your best ally in securing an authentic and untreated gemstone.

About Vedic Crystals

Vedic Crystals is dedicated to providing authentic and ethically sourced gemstones for astrological purposes. Our commitment to providing authentic and untreated gemstones ensures that every gemstone we offer is not only beautiful but also is 100% natural . Explore our collection at thevediccrystals.com.