How would you identify a stone?

[hoofbeats95]

My boss was looking for some foreign outlet adapters for me, when he found a pink emerald cut stone. He has no idea where he got it. It's rather large. It sparkles nicely. I'm guessing it's fake. Like a pink ice or something. Remember that from like the 90's? I have a pink ice heart shape ring! Anyways, I like the color, the shape and the sparkle. I'll likely set it as I have no issues wearing it. My boss is an awesome guy and I love him to pieces. He's older - past retirement age. He is part owner of the company, so that's why he isn't retired. He has his burial suit though! He's a funny man and says he won't be around for many more years. *eye roll* So I'd love to have a memory of him. Which is why I'd set the stone in either a ring or pendant. However, I'd like to confirm it's fake(which is likely). How do I do that?

 

[chrono]

It depends on what tools you have on hand. If you suspect CZ, here’s what you do:
1. Draw a small dot on a clean piece of paper.
2. Place the stone table down on the dot.
3. Look through the pavilion. If it is CZ, the dot will become a circle that is clearly visible.

 

[hoofbeats95]

Wow Chrono! That is interesting. I would say it's CZ! What does the dot do if it isn't?

The stone is just gorgeous though. Bummer I can't post it here. I love it no matter the type. I'm going to get it measured and then maybe you all can help me find a setting? Is that allowed even though the stone isn't genuine?

 

[hoofbeats95]

Oh as an update, he remembered where the stone came from. His grandfather left him a ruby ring. He doesn't wear rings. He went to a jewelers to have the stone reset into a ring for his sister. The setting he chose contained this stone.

 

[jleb]

A few tips: First this pricescope post : faq1/visual-optics-special-weapons-tactics-for-guerilla-gemology-t10635.html

second, how I distinguish synthetic rough from natural rough on my buying trips. Since I can't use a refractometer (no flat surfaces yet). I use a OPL Teaching hand held spectroscope. If you test the spectroscope on your computer monitor, a street light or led diode, you'll find a set of very sharp and distinct lines displayed. If you look at an artificial gemstone, You'll see the same sharp and distinct lines. A natural gemstone will have fuzzy lines that are not sharp? Why is that? Lab made material grows in a precise pristine environment. No contaminants. Nature has a dirty lab, all sorts of stuff is in there blurring the lines. It's the quality of the line that I use to distinguish man made from natural materials and it's worked every time.

good luck!

 

[chrono]

If it isn’t CZ, the dot should be distorted. If it is, the dot will be enlarge while still retaining a very clear circular shape. But really, if you have other tools, I’d use those first to check the RI, check for dichroicsm and other characteristics to which will narrow down the possibilities.

 

[Lady_Disdain]

A few tips: First this pricescope post : faq1/visual-optics-special-weapons-tactics-for-guerilla-gemology-t10635.html

second, how I distinguish synthetic rough from natural rough on my buying trips. Since I can't use a refractometer (no flat surfaces yet). I use a OPL Teaching hand held spectroscope. If you test the spectroscope on your computer monitor, a street light or led diode, you'll find a set of very sharp and distinct lines displayed. If you look at an artificial gemstone, You'll see the same sharp and distinct lines. A natural gemstone will have fuzzy lines that are not sharp? Why is that? Lab made material grows in a precise pristine environment. No contaminants. Nature has a dirty lab, all sorts of stuff is in there blurring the lines. It's the quality of the line that I use to distinguish man made from natural materials and it's worked every time.

good luck!

Great article - thank you for the link.