Understanding Natural and Treated Gemstones
When shopping for gemstones, understanding whether a stone has been naturally sourced or artificially enhanced can help you make informed decisions. Many gemstones undergo treatments to improve color, clarity, and durability. However, the level of treatment varies by stone type. Here’s a comprehensive guide to popular gemstones and the treatments they commonly receive, from highly processed to minimally treated, as well as tips for identifying natural stones.
Popular Gemstones and Common Treatments
1. Turquoise
Common Treatments: Turquoise is frequently dyed or infused with resin to enhance its color and strength, particularly in lower-quality stones. Resin or epoxy fills any cracks, making the stone appear more vibrant and durable.
Natural Availability: High-quality, untreated turquoise is rare and highly sought after, while treated turquoise is more affordable and widely available.
2. Lapis Lazuli
Common Treatments: Lapis lazuli often undergoes dyeing and resin infusions. Lighter-hued stones are frequently dyed to achieve a deep, rich blue that is more marketable.
Natural Availability: Natural lapis lazuli often displays white calcite and gold flecks from pyrite. While untreated lapis is desirable, identifying its authenticity can be challenging due to common dyeing practices.
3. Red Agate
Common Treatments: Red agate is frequently dyed to achieve a deeper, more uniform red tone. This treatment is especially common with agate, as natural red agate tends to vary in color.
Natural Availability: Untreated red agate does exist, but it often appears less intense in color. Vibrantly colored, evenly toned red agates are more likely to have been dyed.
4. Tiger’s Eye / Yellow Tiger’s Eye
Common Treatments: Tiger’s eye is often dyed to intensify its golden-brown hues. Darker, gold tones are often a sign of treatment.
Natural Availability: Natural tiger’s eye generally has subtle color bands and natural color variation. Consistent, intense color could indicate treatment.
5. Rose Quartz
Common Treatments: Rose quartz may be dyed to achieve a stronger pink hue, especially if the stone has low transparency or is pale in color.
Natural Availability: Natural rose quartz typically has a soft, subtle pink. Intensely colored rose quartz may have been dyed.
6. Citrine
Common Treatments: Some citrine is created by heating amethyst, which changes its color to a vibrant yellow or golden-brown. This is a common and accepted practice, although naturally occurring citrine is rarer.
Natural Availability: Untreated citrine is typically pale and less uniform. Stones with intense, even color are likely heat-treated.
7. Obsidian
Common Treatments: While obsidian is primarily polished rather than dyed, rainbow obsidian or high-gloss stones may have been coated to enhance their iridescent qualities.
Natural Availability: Obsidian is widely available in its natural form, known for its smooth, glassy finish, and naturally occurring shades from dark black to rainbow hues.
8. Carnelian
Common Treatments: Carnelian is occasionally dyed, though less commonly than other stones. Dyeing is usually used to create a more uniform color in pale stones.
Natural Availability: Natural carnelian tends to have color variations and a softer hue. Uniform, vibrant carnelian may have been dyed.
9. Amethyst
Common Treatments: Amethyst is often naturally occurring, though some may be heat-treated to darken its color.
Natural Availability: Natural amethyst ranges from light to deep purple. The darkest, most consistent colors are sometimes the result of heat treatment.
10. Moonstone
Common Treatments: Moonstone generally does not undergo dyeing or infusions. Its main enhancement is polishing to enhance its natural glow.
Natural Availability: Natural moonstone is abundant, with an ethereal glow that comes from within. Dyed moonstone is rare and generally unnecessary.
11. Clear Quartz
Common Treatments: Clear quartz is primarily polished, though some varieties are heat-treated to produce vivid colors like amethyst or citrine.
Natural Availability: Clear quartz is widely available in its natural form and is popular due to its transparency and versatility.
12. Sandalwood
Common Treatments: Sandalwood is typically only polished and is rarely dyed or treated due to its natural appeal.
Natural Availability: Natural sandalwood beads are commonly used and appreciated for their woodsy scent and aesthetic.
13. Metal Beads / Silver
Common Treatments: Metal beads, especially silver, are usually polished and occasionally coated to prevent tarnishing. They are generally not dyed or treated like stones.
Natural Availability: Metal beads are typically used in their natural state, though some may be plated for additional durability.
Conclusion
Gemstone treatments can significantly enhance a stone's appearance, durability, and market value, but they may reduce the stone’s natural energy for those who seek an authentic connection to nature. Natural gemstones with minimal treatments are generally valued higher, both monetarily and spiritually, for their uniqueness and elemental purity. Knowing these common treatments can help you make informed choices that match your aesthetic and energy goals.