Some fakes are obvious, others even experts miss. Use this quick test to know for sure.
Fake crystals are everywhere, and some are so convincing that even experienced sellers get fooled. While some fakes are easy to spot (like dyed quartz or glass masquerading as amethyst), others require a closer look.
If you don’t have time to inspect every stone under a microscope, here’s a fast, reliable way to test authenticity in 10 seconds - no tools needed.
The 10-second heat test
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Hold the stone in your palm for 10 seconds.
• Real crystals take longer to warm up because of their natural density and thermal resistance.
• Fakes (glass, resin, or plastic composites) warm up almost immediately to skin temperature. -
Rub your thumb across the surface.
• Real stones have subtle textural variations, tiny pits, fibrous layers, or inclusions, even when polished.
• Fake stones often feel too smooth and too uniform because they’re factory-made.
This quick test works on most polished and raw stones, helping you avoid obvious fakes in seconds.
More ways to test authenticity
While the heat test is the fastest method, some stones require extra verification. Here are other ways to check for fakes (these take a little longer, but are worth knowing):
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Scratch test: crystals like quartz (hardness 7) should scratch glass, while softer fakes may not.
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UV light test: some dyed stones glow unnaturally under black light.
Watch this video for a full breakdown of crystal authenticity tests:
How to Know If a Crystal is Real or Fake
Why Stonebridge Imports is a trusted source
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We source directly from miners and have long-standing relationships with vetted suppliers.
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We’ve been in business for 25+ years, and while we used to test every batch ourselves, our experience now allows us to verify authenticity through trusted sourcing and visual inspections.
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We transparently label man-made stones, so you always know exactly what you're getting.
Authenticity matters, and we’re committed to making sure you have the best!
