How to Tell if the Moss Agate You Bought is Real?

Hey, friends! Have you noticed how popular moss agate jewelry has become lately? Its unique moss-like inclusions and natural beauty make it a true work of art created by nature. If you’ve recently acquired a piece of moss agate jewelry or are considering investing in one of these beautiful gemstones, you might be wondering: Is what I bought real? Don’t worry! Today, we’ll talk about How to tell if a moss agate is real or fake.

First, let’s get familiar with the characteristics of moss agate. Unlike traditional agate, which has banded patterns, moss agate is known for its unique inclusions. These inclusions usually resemble moss or branches of trees, formed by deposits of metal oxides inside the stone. Common colors include green, black, brown, and red, and the base color is often translucent or transparent.

Having understood the basic characteristics of moss agate, let’s move on to the main topic – distinguishing between real and fake moss agate! Here are 7 tips:

Tip 1. Observe the Inclusions

Observing the inclusions is a key step in identifying genuine moss agate. Real moss agate inclusions are naturally formed and resemble branches or moss in the natural world, typically irregular in shape. If the inclusions in your moss agate appear natural and irregularly distributed, it’s likely to be real! If you notice the inclusions are too perfect, symmetrical, or look like printed patterns, beware; it could be a fake. Remember: every natural moss agate is a masterpiece of nature, no two are exactly alike.

Tip 2. Touch and Density

Natural moss agate has a certain weight to it and feels cool to the touch. Many imitations or glass-based products are often lighter and don’t feel as solid as real stone. If you feel a cool sensation when lightly touching the stone, it’s likely a real natural moss agate. If it feels warm or lightweight, you should double-check its authenticity.

Tip 3. Observe Through Light

Moss agate is a semi-transparent stone, and you can check its transparency by shining a bright light or flashlight through it. If the gemstone is overly transparent or shows obvious signs of filling, beware. Natural moss agate should have natural internal patterns but not be completely transparent—some areas will be hazy or irregular.

Tip 4. Use a Magnifying Glass to Inspect Details

A magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe is a great tool for you to identify moss agate as real or fake. By closely examining the stone under magnification, you can get a better look at the tiny inclusions. The inclusions in natural moss agate should be random and irregular, while fake patterns are often mechanical and easy to spot.

Tip 5. Look for Bubbles

In some fake moss agates, especially glass imitations, you may find small bubbles. Natural gemstones don’t form these bubbles during their creation. So, if you spot bubbles in the stone, it’s almost certainly not real moss agate.

Tip 6. Test Hardness

The hardness test is a simple and effective method. Moss agate has a Mohs hardness of 6.5 to 7. This means that it can easily scratch glass without leaving a mark on the gemstone itself. If you have an inconspicuous area, try lightly scratching a glass surface. If the glass gets scratched and the stone remains intact, your moss agate is likely real.

Tip 7. Seek Professional Appraisal

Of course, if you’re unsure of your own test results, the safest course of action is to ask a professional jewelry appraiser to help you confirm the authenticity. Professional appraisers have the specialized tools and knowledge to accurately determine if your stone is genuine. They can also provide detailed information about the gem, such as its origin or any treatments it may have undergone. Alternatively, buy from jewelers who offer professional gem certification, which can go a long way in safeguarding your purchase!

With these 7 tips, I believe you can better distinguish real from fake moss agate. MollyJewelryUS is a professional gemstone jeweler, and we offer IGI gem certification with all our stones, ensuring the value and quality of your purchase!