Black spinel gemstones are stunning gems that can be used in jewelry and fine art projects, among other uses, but there are plenty of fakes out there masquerading as the real thing! How can you tell the real spinel from the fake? Here’s what you need to know to identify Black Spinel properly and know exactly what you’re getting when you buy one online or at a flea market.
Check The Stone’s Symmetry
The first step in identifying fake spinel is to check the symmetry of the gemstone. If you see red or brown flecks on the surface of the stone, it might be fake. The color of spinel ranges from pale pinkish red to deep brownish purple and grey moonstone. However, if you do find that your spinel has flecks of other colors, there is still hope! Simply take note of what colors are present and look for some combination that could only happen if one were using a combination of real gems.
Examine The Stone’s Surface
Spinel is one of the most difficult gems to spot fakes. This is because it comes in various hues, such as black, blue and red. When you see red spinel, it will usually have some sort of purple hue or pink coloring. To differentiate between genuine and fake spinel, it may be best for you to examine the stone’s surface. If your stone has a grey moonstone-like color instead of an intense red hue, then it is not real spinel.
Inspect The Stone Under Magnification
When it comes to identifying stones, the best way is always by examining them up close. Take your stone and look at it under magnification. Is there any inclusions? What color are they? Are there any fractures or cracks? If so, this may be an indication that the stone is fake. Once you have determined that your stone is authentic, take a look at the moonstone. It should be clear and can’t be confused with grey moonstone.
Know The Value Of Genuine Black Spinel
The value of genuine black spinel is determined by the cut, clarity, carat weight and color. Cut is how well the gem was shaped and polished. Clarity refers to how many imperfections are in the gem. The carat weight determines how big the gem is. Lastly, color can range from yellow-green to dark green with some variation in between.
Grey moonstone is often mistaken for black spinel because it closely resembles them both in its rarity and appearance, but there are a few small differences that you can use as guidelines if you’re not sure what you’re looking at.
First off, grey moonstone has more green tones than black spinel does which makes it quite easy to tell apart when viewing side-by-side.
