Well, I think we’re a bit overdue for another “fakes” blog post to add to my series.

There’s an entire series of blog posts I’ve written over the years as fakes have popped up more and more.

Now, on my annual trips to the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show I get to view a lot of what’s hot on the market and also spot some of these fakes first-hand. I also like to attend some of the lectures they have at the Convention Center so I can stay up-to-the-minute and knowledgeable about what’s going on in the mineral world. Last year I audited a lecture on Fake Minerals. This year my favorite lecture was: Crystal Faces and Forms. 

Heaven, I tell you!

Seriously. Crystal-topic academic lectures while hanging out at the biggest most glittery gem show in the world??! If you didn’t already know, I’m a HUGE Geo-Geek and yes, this is my idea of a GOOD-FLIPPIN’-TIME!

One thing that’s evident from these gemmy trips is that unfortunately, the artificial mineral/ gemstone market is on the rise.

Several years ago I noticed that there seemed to be … Read More