💫 Moldavite PSA part 2–Here are some things anyone can do to get the edge on avoiding fake Moldavite! . -Number 1 tip to avoid imitations: always buy from a reputable source. Stick with a reputable source known for natural gems and authenticity, and think twice before buying on the open market and eBay unless you trust your source. . Here are a few tips to help visually identify natural vs imitation moldavite: (1) very large stones are significantly more likely to be fakes. Highly lustrous and exact repetitions of surface texture are highly suspect, as are signs of drilling. In faceted stones, we have a visual example to offer: (2) top left, natural Moldavite: a natural Moldavite will contain bubbles and lechatelierite “worms” or strings—this high temperature form of silicon dioxide will be familiar to moldavite collectors as the warped/folded texture seen inside Moldavite gems, and sometimes protruding from the surface. This interior landscape is quite distinctive, with lechatelierite following the fluvial structure of the Moldavite, random distribution of surface and interior inclusions, and bubbles. (3) bottom left, one example of imitation Moldavite (sometimes as simple as bottle glass)—internally flawless, with fire and variation in shades. Some of the “Moldavite” stones from this parcel more closely resembled peridot or prasiolite than Moldavite. (4) top right: natural stone is on the left, imitation on the right. To the casual observer the stones appear to be similar. (5) bottom right: natural Moldavite is inert under ultraviolet light, and should never fluoresce. Though imitations don’t always fluoresce, this particular imitation material is highly fluorescent, a dead giveaway. . 💫 Imitation stones, especially with incorrect or intentionally deceptive labeling, can have a devastating effect on the industry as a whole. Ethical sellers must make it a priority to spread information and raise awareness, and a little effort can help buyers gain confidence and buy something they can truly treasure! 💫 #gemology #PSA #moldavite #naturalmoldavite #fakemoldavite #moldavitecraze #gemidentification #imitation #minerals #gemstones #phenomenalgems https://www.instagram.com/p/CMX1jgUnrju/?igshid=n1a8n17e62b6
