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How to Test a Diamond's Authenticity

A diamond is the hardest substance known to exist and can be up to three billion years old. Because of this, the diamond can have a rough and rocky appearance when the sides are viewed closely, even after it has been cut by the best jeweler. Other gems often have smooth, even waxy-looking surfaces. A few simple methods can help you decide whether your stone is real, fake or another type of gem.

Things You'll Need

Toothbrush
Newsprint
Magnifying glass
Microscope
Glass
Black light

Instructions

- 1
  Clean your diamond with a toothbrush and warm water. Breathe onto the diamond. If the fog disperses before three seconds, it is likely a diamond. Diamonds quickly disperse heat.
- 2
  Put the diamond on newsprint with the pointy side facing up. With a magnifying glass, try to read the letters under the diamond. If you can, the diamond is fake. Real diamonds scatter light.
- 3
  Look at the diamond under a microscope. All of the line junctions should be precise. Any imprecise junctions indicate a fake.
- 4
  Feel the edge of the diamond. If it is rough, it could be real. Fake diamonds often have smooth edges.
- 5
  Scrape your diamond across glass. This is the least effective method because some other hard gems scratch glass. You may also damage your diamond.
- 6
  Hold the stone over a black light. Many diamonds will have a blue color when under the light, though a lack of blue coloring doesn't necessarily mean the gem isn't real.

Gemology