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How to Identify Raw Emeralds

When emeralds are raw and uncut, they don't resemble the brilliant stones we see in stores, making it a bit difficult to determine if they are real or not. A few simple observations and tests will prove if the emerald is real or fake. Since emeralds are found in different parts of the world and created under different circumstances, not every test works for all gems.

Things You'll Need

Magnifying glass
Chelsea filter

Instructions

- 1
  Look at the shape of the emerald. They form in a hexagonal shape, meaning it has six sides. If the stone looks like this, then it is an indicator it may be an emerald.
- 2
  Use the magnifying glass and look into the stone. You may need to put it up to a light to do this. Jardins, or small lines, will be seen throughout the stone. These lines are also called inclusions, and every emerald has them, regardless of where it comes from. They are part of what makes the gem so difficult to cut without breaking.
- 3
  Open the Chelsea filter and place it two inches from your eye. Light up the raw gem. Due to the chemicals in the emerald and the filter, a true emerald will glow red or pink. If it is bright red, then it is an imitation or synthetic emerald. However, emeralds from some parts of the world, like Africa, contain different chemicals and do not glow red in the Chelsea filter.

Rocks & Minerals