Beware of Imitation Lapis Lazuli Flooding the Market: How to Spot the Real Gemstone
Lapis Lazuli has been a prized gemstone since ancient times. Its deep blue color and distinctive golden flecks have made it a favorite among jewelry enthusiasts, art collectors, and fashion designers alike. However, with its popularity comes the risk of imitation stones flooding the market.
Imitation Lapis Lazuli can be found in many forms; from dyed stones to glass or plastic replicas. While these imitations may look similar to genuine Lapis Lazuli at first glance, there are significant differences between them that shoppers should be aware of.
The most obvious difference is the price. Genuine Lapis Lazuli is a relatively expensive stone due to its rarity and difficulty in mining and processing. Imitation stones, on the other hand, are often much cheaper because they are mass-produced using inexpensive materials.
Another difference between genuine and imitation Lapis Lazuli is their durability. Genuine Lapis Lazuli is a naturally occurring mineral that has formed over millions of years under intense pressure and heat. As such, it is extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear over time. In contrast, many imitation stones lack this natural strength and may scratch or chip more easily than real Lapis Lazuli.
The appearance of genuine versus fake lapis lazuli will also differ significantly when examined closely. Real lapis lazulis will present an even distribution of pyrite (the metallic element responsible for the sparkles) throughout the stone while fakes will have pyrite concentrated only on certain areas or even painted on top creating an illusionary effect that fades away after some time.
Moreover, fake lapis lazulis might seem too perfect as they are usually produced through artificial methods like dyeing white howlite which mimics naturally occurring minerals but without their intrinsic properties.
When it comes to jewelry-making materials authentic lapis lazulis can hold up well against metals like gold or silver while counterfeit ones might deteriorate quite fast affecting both aesthetics as well as quality.
In terms of health benefits, genuine Lapis Lazuli is believed to have healing properties and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Some believe that it can help with headaches, insomnia, anxiety, and other ailments. However, these claims are not scientifically proven and should be taken with a grain of salt. Imitation stones lack any such inherent value.
When shopping for Lapis Lazuli jewelry or art pieces, there are several ways to ensure that you’re getting the real thing. First and foremost, buy from reputable sellers who specialize in fine gemstones and have a history of selling authentic pieces. Secondly look out for any descriptions on the product detailing how it was made or its origin as counterfeiters might simply say “Lapis lazuli” without providing more details about its authenticity or production process.
It’s also crucial to do your own research beforehand- familiarize yourself with what genuine lapis lazulis look like so you can compare them against potential fakes when inspecting products up close.
Lastly if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is; avoid purchasing lapis lazulis at extremely low prices which might indicate that the stone is an imitation or low quality (or both).
In conclusion, while imitation Lapis Lazuli may seem tempting due to their lower price points, they cannot match the beauty nor hold intrinsic values associated with genuine ones. By being informed about how these two differ one will be better equipped in making informed purchases based on their personal preferences while still enjoying all of the advantages offered by owning this precious gemstone.