Real vs. Fake Crystals: The Ultimate Guide to Identifying Authentic Healing Stones in 2026

You decided to invest in your well-being. You bought an Amethyst for peace or a Pyrite tree for wealth. You placed it in your home, waited for the energy to shift, but... nothing happened.

Why? Because in the Indian market today, nearly 60% of sold "crystals" are actually dyed glass or chemically treated plastic.

Synthetic stones might look pretty, but they are energetically dead. They possess no vibrational frequency, no healing properties, and no soul.

At Calminds, we don't just sell crystals; we are crystal geeks. We believe you deserve the raw power of Mother Earth. Here is your definitive, scientific guide to spotting the difference between a real gemstone and a fake knock-off.

Test 1: The Temperature Test (Thermal Conductivity)

This is the easiest test you can do right now. Real crystals have high thermal conductivity, meaning they dissipate heat quickly.

• The Check: Pick up the crystal and touch it to your cheek or inner wrist.

• Real Crystal: It will feel instantly cold, even in summer. It takes time to warm up to your body temperature.

• Fake (Glass/Plastic): It will feel room temperature or warm immediately.

💡 Pro Tip: Quartz (like Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Citrine) should always feel cool to the touch first.

Test 2: The "Bubble vs. Inclusion" Rule

Nature is rarely perfect. If a crystal looks "too clean" or "too perfect," be suspicious.

• Look for Bubbles: Hold the stone up to the light. If you see tiny, round air bubbles inside, it is 100% Glass. Natural stones never have air bubbles.

• Look for Inclusions: Real stones have cracks, lines, clouds, or tiny specks inside. These are called "Inclusions." They are the fingerprints of nature, proving the stone was formed under high pressure underground.

Verdict: Imperfection is a sign of Authenticity.

Test 3: The Hardness Test (Mohs Scale)

In geology, we use the Mohs Scale of Hardness (1 to 10) to measure a stone's durability.

• Glass: Has a hardness of roughly 5.5.

• Real Quartz (Amethyst/Citrine): Has a hardness of 7.

The Scratch Test: If you have a piece of loose glass (like a bottle shard), try to scratch it with your crystal. A real quartz crystal is harder than glass and will leave a scratch on the glass. If the crystal gets scratched instead, it is likely plastic or soft glass.

Test 4: Specific Checks for Popular Crystals

General tests are good, but here is how to check the specific best-sellers you buy from Calminds:

A. How to check Real Pyrite?

Many sellers spray paint rocks with gold paint.

• Weight: Original Pyrite is an Iron ore. It should feel heavy for its size. If it feels light like a plastic ball, it's fake.

• Dust: Rub the stone with a white cloth. If gold glitter or paint comes off, it's a fake. Real Pyrite does not lose its color.

B. How to check Real Amethyst?

• Color Zoning: Real Amethyst is never one solid block of purple. It will have shades of dark purple, light violet, and even clear white zones.

• Uniformity: If the purple is perfectly even throughout the bead, it is likely dyed glass.

👉 Looking for genuine peace? Shop Verified Natural Amethyst Here

C. How to check Real Citrine?

This is the most faked stone in the world.

• The Fake: Most "Citrine" in the market is actually "Burnt Amethyst"—purple stones heated until they turn dark orange/brown.

• The Real: Natural Citrine is a pale yellow or champagne color (like lemon water), not dark burnt orange.

Test 5: The Price & Source Factor

If you see a "Natural Crystal Bracelet" selling for ₹99, run away. Mining, cutting, polishing, and importing natural stones costs money. If the price seems "too good to be true," you are paying for plastic.

At Calminds, we maintain transparency:

1. We source directly from mines (Brazil, Africa, India).

2. We perform batch-testing for authenticity.

3. We Reiki Charge every piece to awaken its dormant energy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I test my crystal by burning it?

No! Please do not burn your crystals. While some people suggest the "Fire Test," high heat can crack natural stones like Amethyst or change their color. The "Touch Test" (Temperature) is much safer and accurate.

Q2. Do air bubbles always mean it is fake?

Yes. Natural gemstones are formed under earth pressure and never contain round air bubbles. If you see bubbles, it is 100% glass or resin.

Q3. Which is the most fake crystal in the market?

Citrine and Turquoise are the most faked stones. Real Citrine is rare and expensive; what you see in markets is often "Burnt Amethyst." Always buy from a certified seller like Calminds.

Q4. Does a fake crystal have bad energy?

A fake crystal (glass) doesn't necessarily have "bad" energy, but it has Zero Energy. It is a placebo. For healing and manifestation, you need the vibrational frequency of a living mineral.

Conclusion: Don't Compromise on Energy

Using a fake crystal for healing is like trying to make a phone call with a toy phone. It looks the same, but it won't connect.

Don't gamble with your luck and energy. Choose stones that have been tested, verified, and energized.

Ready to build your collection with confidence? 🚀 Explore our 100% Authenticity Guaranteed Collection

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