Posted on Leave a comment

Fake Malachite

Malachite is a beautiful green mineral that is often used in jewellery and decorative items. Its vibrant colour and unique patterns make it a popular choice for those who appreciate natural beauty. Unfortunately, some people try to pass off fake malachite as the real thing. If you’re looking to spot a fake malachite crystal, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First of all, it’s important to understand what malachite is and how it’s formed. Malachite is a copper carbonate mineral that is formed through the process of weathering and oxidation of copper ores. Its characteristic green colour comes from the presence of copper. Malachite often forms in concentric bands or “bull’s eyes,” which are caused by changes in the environment during its formation.

One of the most common ways that people try to fake malachite is by using a type of plastic called “bakelite.” Bakelite is a synthetic polymer that was first developed in the early 1900s and was used in a variety of applications, including jewellery. Bakelite can be made to resemble malachite by adding green pigment and swirling the material to create a pattern similar to natural malachite.

To spot a fake malachite crystal made from bakelite, look for signs of wear and tear. Bakelite is a relatively soft material, so it’s easy to scratch or chip. If you see any scratches or chips on the surface of the crystal, it’s a good indication that it’s not real malachite. You can also try rubbing the surface of the crystal with a soft cloth. Real malachite will leave a green residue on the cloth, while bakelite will not.

Another way that people try to fake malachite is by using dyed stones. Some unscrupulous sellers will take stones that are naturally green, like jasper or chrysocolla, and dye them to look like malachite. To spot a fake malachite crystal made from a dyed stone, look for inconsistencies in the colour and pattern. Natural malachite will have a consistent pattern of concentric bands, while a dyed stone may have a more haphazard pattern.

In addition to these methods, there are a few other things you can look for to spot a fake malachite crystal. Real malachite will have a hardness of 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale, which means it’s relatively soft and can be scratched with a knife. If you’re unsure whether a crystal is real or fake, you can try scratching it with a knife. If it leaves a scratch, it’s likely real malachite. If not, it’s probably a fake.

You can also look for signs of natural weathering on the crystal. Real malachite will often have a slightly rough texture and may have small pits or divots on the surface. Fake malachite, on the other hand, will often have a smooth surface with no signs of natural weathering.

Another way of spotting a fake crystal, is the price. Malachite is a soft crystal and so carvings become expensive. Firstly, to find a suitable piece that has no vugs is challenging. Secondly, to polish it into the shape and size you want, you tend to lose a lot of material, which makes carvings quite dear. So, if it seems too cheap, find advice prior to purchasing it.

Spotting a fake malachite crystal requires a bit of knowledge and observation. By knowing what to look for, you can avoid being taken in by unscrupulous sellers and ensure that you’re getting the real thing. Whether you’re a collector or just appreciate the beauty of malachite, knowing how to spot a fake can help you make informed decisions when purchasing crystals and other natural specimens.

  • Shop for Malachite HERE
Leave a Reply