#gemidentification

Moldavite PSA part 2–Here are some things anyone can do to get the edge on avoiding fake Moldavite!
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-Number 1 tip to avoid imitations: always buy from a reputable source. Stick with a reputable source known for natural gems and authenticity, and think twice before buying on the open market and eBay unless you trust your source.
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Here are a few tips to help visually identify natural vs imitation moldavite:
(1) very large stones are significantly more likely to be fakes. Highly lustrous and exact repetitions of surface texture are highly suspect, as are signs of drilling.
In faceted stones, we have a visual example to offer:
(2) top left, natural Moldavite: a natural Moldavite will contain bubbles and lechatelierite “worms” or strings—this high temperature form of silicon dioxide will be familiar to moldavite collectors as the warped/folded texture seen inside Moldavite gems, and sometimes protruding from the surface. This interior landscape is quite distinctive, with lechatelierite following the fluvial structure of the Moldavite, random distribution of surface and interior inclusions, and bubbles.
(3) bottom left, one example of imitation Moldavite (sometimes as simple as bottle glass)—internally flawless, with fire and variation in shades. Some of the “Moldavite” stones from this parcel more closely resembled peridot or prasiolite than Moldavite.
(4) top right: natural stone is on the left, imitation on the right. To the casual observer the stones appear to be similar.
(5) bottom right: natural Moldavite is inert under ultraviolet light, and should never fluoresce. Though imitations don’t always fluoresce, this particular imitation material is highly fluorescent, a dead giveaway.
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Imitation stones, especially with incorrect or intentionally deceptive labeling, can have a devastating effect on the industry as a whole. Ethical sellers must make it a priority to spread information and raise awareness, and a little effort can help buyers gain confidence and buy something they can truly treasure! #gemology #PSA #moldavite #naturalmoldavite #fakemoldavite #moldavitecraze #gemidentification #imitation #minerals #gemstones #phenomenalgems
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Reposting this PSA for those who are new to Moldavite!
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Phenomenal Gems notes from the world of gemology: Moldavite is one of the most popular of the healing gems used by the metaphysical community, and as such, has spawned an army of imitations. Moldavite was simulated in jewelry much earlier than you might think—in fact, bottle glass substitution was so common in the 1890s that the market collapsed and Moldavite didn’t become popular again until the 1960s. Imitations have stormed onto the market as metaphysical value has risen, and it’s a particular issue now as demand is higher than ever and supply has dwindled to nearly nothing. Raw imitations can be surprisingly deceptive, as the surface textures may be cast, drilled, or carved. Faceted stones don’t leave as much room to hide red flags, but may still fool a new collector. The best imitations require Raman spectroscopy and gemological expertise to differentiate, and can be quite convincing. See next post for some tips anyone can use to help get the edge on avoiding imitation Moldavite! (Picture from “Moldavite: Mysterious Tears from Heaven”, an excellent reference.)
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#gemology #PSA #moldavite #naturalmoldavite #fakemoldavite #moldavitecraze #gemidentification #imitation #minerals #gemstones #facetedmoldavite #facetedgems #flawless #fluorescence #gemologynotes #themoreyouknow #awareness #education #wearetheinnovators #theyaretheimmitators #phenomenalgems
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