How to Spot a Fake: 5 Ways to Tell if Quartz is Real

If you're considering purchasing a piece of quartz, it's important to make sure it's the real thing. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to tell if quartz is real. Knowing how to tell if quartz is real can save you from costly mistakes and ensure you get the highest quality product. In this blog post, we'll provide you with five simple ways to spot a fake and guarantee your quartz is the real deal.

1. Check the weight

One of the easiest ways to determine if a quartz is real is to check its weight. Natural quartz should have a heft and solidity to it, while fake quartz will feel light and hollow. If you don’t have a scale to measure the exact weight, you can try comparing the stone to others of known authenticity. Genuine quartz should weigh more than other stones of a similar size, such as glass or plastic. This isn’t a foolproof method, but it is an easy way to get an initial indication of whether the quartz is real or fake. You can also perform a simple scratch test on the surface of the quartz; natural quartz tends to be quite hard and resilient, so any scratches from a metal nail file are likely to be minimal. A fake quartz won't be as durable and may show signs of wear from this test.

2. Inspect the surface

When it comes to determining whether quartz is real, inspecting the surface is a great way to tell. Quartz has a glass-like appearance and should feel smooth to the touch. If you see any imperfections or bumps on the surface, then it is likely not real quartz. 

Take a close look at the edges of the crystal. Real quartz will usually have a slightly curved, frosted look. Any sharp edges are usually an indication that the quartz is not genuine.

You can also take a magnifying glass and look for signs of bubbles or inclusions, which are an indicator of real quartz. Inclusions are typically caused by air or gas trapped within the crystal during formation. 

Finally, inspect the color of the quartz. Genuine quartz often has a faint yellowish tint, though this varies depending on the type of quartz.

3. Tap it with a hammer

When it comes to testing quartz, the most reliable method of determining whether or not it is real is to tap it with a hammer. A real quartz should have a hard and brittle sound when struck. A fake quartz, on the other hand, will have a dull thud. It is important to be aware that quartz can crack if hit too hard, so it is best to be gentle when tapping the quartz. To get an accurate reading, make sure to strike the same spot several times. If the quartz is fake, the sound will remain consistent while real quartz will change its tone each time you tap it.

4. Place it under a UV light

One of the most effective ways to determine if quartz is real or not is to place it under a UV light. Quartz has certain properties that make it fluoresce when exposed to UV light. Fake quartz will not display this same fluorescence, meaning it won’t be as bright as the real thing. To test quartz in this way, place it in direct contact with a UV light for a few minutes. If it doesn’t glow brightly, chances are you are looking at a fake. Be sure to check other pieces of quartz in the same way for comparison.

5. The acid test

The acid test is a reliable way to determine if a quartz sample is real or fake. First, you'll need to acquire some hydrochloric acid (also known as muriatic acid) and a bowl of water. To begin the test, pour a small amount of the acid onto a clean cloth and carefully apply it to the sample you are testing. If the sample is real quartz, then the acid will have no effect on it. Fake quartz, however, will start to dissolve immediately upon contact with the acid. When this happens, quickly rinse off the sample with a bowl of water and observe any changes in color. Fake quartz will start to turn lighter in color after coming into contact with the acid. 

It's important to remember that while the acid test is a surefire way to tell if quartz is real or not, it can also be very dangerous if not done properly. Be sure to take the necessary precautions when performing this test, such as wearing gloves and protective eyewear, and only using the acid in well-ventilated areas.

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