How to spot fake crystals and avoid costly mistakes
Business owner in Sedona teaches customers to identify authentic gemstones as crystal industry booms
SEDONA, Ariz. (Aging Untold) — The crystal and gemstone industry is booming, fueled in part by social media, but experts warn buyers to be cautious of fake products flooding the market.
Jamie Inglett, who owns a crystal shop in Sedona, said consumers can find fake crystals in stores and at gem shows.
“As a consumer you really kind of have to do your own research,” Inglett said.
Growing popularity drives demand
The crystal craze has exploded online, with #crystals generating 20 billion views on TikTok.
Inglett has built up 215,106 Instagram followers and opened a physical storefront in Sedona after finding success online.
“You don’t have to believe in crystal healing or crystal energy to appreciate their beauty,” Inglett said.
What to know about fake crystals
Shannon Wimberly, a crystal collector for several years, said she has encountered fake crystals and now scrutinizes purchases more carefully.
“I absolutely know I’ve run into getting fake ones, so I started scrutinizing other things more and more,” Wimberly said.
Inglett said buyers could end up with lab-grown crystals sold as natural stones. She showed a lab-grown crystal purchased from a Sedona shop for more than $100 that could be found online for $5 to $20.
“You’ll see hundreds of these, depending on the store. They’ll all look about the same,” Inglett said.
Buyers could also purchase completely synthetic items made from plastic or glass.
How to identify fakes
Inglett recommends asking questions about origin and authenticity.
“Asking the shop, where is this from? And then they should at least be able to tell you the country of origin, if not the actual mine name,” Inglett said.
Physical tests can help identify fake crystals. Glass fakes sound different, don’t get cold and have unnatural dye patterns, Inglett said. Fake moldavite lacks natural grooves and textures and appears too uniform in shape, she said.
Inglett said lab-grown crystals are not an issue as long as sellers disclose what buyers are purchasing.
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