Carnelian is a popular and beautiful semi-precious gemstone known for its warm, reddish-orange hues.
However, with the market flooded with fake and dyed stones, it’s crucial to know how to tell if a carnelian crystal is real.
In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a list of tests and tips to identify genuine carnelian, as well as how to distinguish authentic tumbled carnelian and carnelian bracelets from fakes.
We’ll also discuss the color of real carnelian and whether it fades in the sun.
How to tell if a carnelian crystal is real
To determine the authenticity of a carnelian crystal, try the following tests:
- Hold it up to the light: Genuine carnelian is translucent. Hold the stone up to the light and see if the light passes through the rock, at least at the edges. If it’s opaque or doesn’t allow any light to pass through, it’s likely not real carnelian.
- Examine the color: Real carnelian exhibits a range of colors, from pale orange to deep red, but its hues are always warm and natural-looking. Fake carnelian often has a more uniform, artificial appearance.
- Check for patterns: Authentic carnelian may show subtle bands or swirls, while fake carnelian often lacks these natural patterns.
- Test the hardness: Carnelian has a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7, which means it can scratch glass or a knife blade. If your stone doesn’t scratch glass or a knife blade, it might be a fake.
How to tell if tumbled carnelian is real
Tumbled carnelian should have a smooth, polished appearance, but its color and pattern should still appear natural.
Use the tests mentioned above, such as holding the stone up to the light and examining its color and patterns, to determine if your tumbled carnelian is genuine.
How to tell if my carnelian bracelet is real
To check the authenticity of a carnelian bracelet, examine each bead for the characteristics of real carnelian, such as color, translucency, and natural patterns.
If the beads are uniform in color and lack any natural variations, it might be a fake.
Color of real carnelian
Real carnelian can vary in color from pale orange to deep red, often with subtle bands or swirls. The color should be warm and natural-looking, without any artificial uniformity.
Does carnelian fade in the sun
Carnelian is relatively stable and doesn’t typically fade in the sun. However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight might cause some slight fading or color alteration over time.
To maintain the vibrant color of your carnelian, store it away from direct sunlight when not in use.
How to tell if carnelian is dyed
Some stones are dyed to imitate carnelian’s appearance. To check if your carnelian is dyed, look for the following signs:
- Uneven color distribution: Dyed stones may have uneven color or dye concentrations, especially around cracks or crevices.
- Color rubbing off: If the color rubs off onto a cloth when you gently rub the stone, it’s likely dyed.
- Unnatural color: Dyed stones often have a more uniform color and lack the natural variations of genuine carnelian. Compare your stone to images of authentic carnelian to get a sense of what real carnelian should look like.
Conclusion
Knowing how to tell if a carnelian crystal is real is essential for anyone who appreciates the beauty and properties of this semi-precious gemstone.
By using the tests and tips provided in this blog post, you can confidently determine the authenticity of carnelian crystals, tumbled carnelian, and carnelian bracelets.
Always examine the color, patterns, and translucency of the stone to ensure you’re getting a genuine piece.
And remember, while carnelian is relatively stable and doesn’t fade quickly in the sun, it’s best to store it away from direct sunlight to maintain its vibrant colors. Happy gemstone hunting!
