A defining characteristic of agate is natural banding. Agate stones have defined concentric layers that change in color. These bands develop naturally over time and usually are slightly translucent. Real agate has depth and texture, while fake stones painted or artificially dyed tend to have painted or dyed, nontextured bands.
2. Natural ColorationAgate stones are found in earthy and vibrant colors like gray, white, blue and pink. A true gem, unlike synthetic stones, has naturally uneven color. If a stone appears unnaturally very bright or is unnaturally uniform throughout, it may have been artificially colored or made.
3. Cool to the TouchTrue agate is quartz, and quartz feels cool to touch, even when it is warm. In contrast, fake stones built out of plastic or resin don’t continue to hold the cooling sensation.
4. Weight and DensityBecause of its mineral composition, authentic agate is heavier. Synthetic materials give you imitation products that feel lighter. You can feel the weight of the stone by holding it in hand.
5. HardnessAgate is a hard stone that hardiness of 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It will scratch neither metal nor glass. One test to verify the authenticity of a stone is to test its hardness (but beware to not scratch its surface).
How to Test Your Agate StoneIf you suspect the agate might be fake, you can perform simple tests at home:
1. Light TestPlace the stone against a bright light. Especially in its thinner layers, real agate stones will allow light to pass through. Fake stones have no translucency at all.
2. Scratch TestGently scratch the surface with a steel knife or metal. An imitation will likely become marked while the genuine agate will not.
3. It is important to make sure you inspect under a magnifying glass.Take a good look at the patterns and bands. Artificial stones are many a time found to bear repetitive or perfect patterns, where as natural agate are irregular and unique in designs.
Why Choose Real Agate Stones?Over and above the unbeatable beauty and durability the real agate stones offer. Not mere decoration, they’re thought to have calming and grounding effects. Authentic agate stones offer long lasting value and aesthetic appeal, used either in jewelry or slabs suitable for interior décor.
Real Agate, a Trustworthy Source.However, before you purchase agate, you want to purchase from a dealer that you can trust because otherwise, you are not getting agate, you are getting something that’s, in essence, inert and it has no redeemable qualities. Divya Gem Stonex is a go therefore companies like Divya Gem Stonex deal in top-notch agate products where you can even find very good slabs for décor purposes. As a consequence, anyone is keen to acquire agate stones from all of them as they are proficient and they even have a reputation.
Final ThoughtsIt’s easier to know what to look for in a real agate stone. That way, with features such as banding, color, density and weight as well as simple tests, you can then be confident knowing the difference between real and fake agate. Also, whenever you want agates always choose suppliers like Divya Gem Stonex for premium quality agate products. If you know the right things it may be time for you to appreciate the timeless elegance and beauty of this amazing gemstone.