How To Know If The Crystals You're Buying Are Legit

Many people have a collection of crystals that they turn to for their metaphysical properties — anyone else on a mission to uncover the best crystals for love? — and you might even be one of them. However, experienced crystal hunters will tell you that one of the most important aspects of collecting them is knowing how to authenticate them. If you purchase a dud, there's no sense in hoping you'll reap any benefits.

Crystals have been thought to provide unique benefits to their beholders for thousands of years. Different cultures around the globe have turned to everything from turquoise to lapis lazuli to help with health, relationships, and more. Although there is no hard scientific evidence behind the supposed metaphysical benefits, people haven't stopped turning to them in times of need.

Whether you own several crystals or you're just beginning your collection, it's essential to know how to separate the fakes from the real deal. This is especially necessary if you intend on investing in rare stones, which can be costly. One of the rules of thumb to keep in mind while shopping is that authentic stones are rarely perfect — if you come across a symmetrical crystal with a precise pattern, it could be too good to be true. There are other telltale signs of fakes, however, ranging from shape to weight.

As the old saying goes, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. The same rule can be applied to crystals, and if you shop with a skeptical eye, you'll give yourself a better chance of finding authentic stones. For instance, the price tag can sometimes be a giveaway — if you spot a rare crystal but it seems unusually affordable, there may be a good reason to believe it's fake.

Dyed crystals have also added to the confusion, and some experts even find it difficult to tell them apart from authentic stones on the market. One of the most popular crystals forged is quartz, primarily because glass can be easily made to look like the real thing. However, you can attempt to verify the authenticity of this stone by examining its shape — quartz often has defined edges. If it's a fake made of glass, it might also have air bubbles that give it away.

Synthetic crystals are sometimes made of plastic, which is how weight comes into play — a lightweight stone is usually a red flag. Stones that are dyed to enhance their appearance or make them seem like a specific type of crystal are also usually easy to spot. Sometimes, the dye will actually rub off on your hands, giving them away immediately. When in doubt, don't be afraid to ask the vendor for information, including the crystal's origin.

Another factor to note when purchasing crystals is that you may come across vendors who offer certificates of authenticity. Many experts are mixed on this practice, but for the most part, you should view these certificates with skepticism.

In some cases, vendors may mislabel crystals. This isn't always intentional — some sellers lack the proper knowledge necessary to identify the crystals they are selling. As the buyer, it's up to you to do your homework and find out as much information as possible to make an informed purchase. As you shop, you might come across tumbled varieties of crystals, which are smooth to the touch and more portable. This makes them ideal for everything from gem elixirs to sleeping for dream recognition. It's worth noting that just because a crystal has been tumbled does not mean it has lost any of its supposed metaphysical properties or ability to hold energy. Tumbled crystals are simply stones that have been polished, meaning that factor shouldn't deter you from making a purchase.

Whether you're interested in beginning a crystal collection or adding to one you already have, being an informed shopper is an essential part of the process. In the end, you can rest assured that your money is being well spent — just don't forget about cleaning and recharging your crystals once purchased.