There are many ways that dealers treat gemstones. The savvy buyer asks lots of questions and hopefully tests the results. Here are some treatments to look for:
· Irradiation: This is the worst treatment used. Gemstones loose any therapeutic properties once they are irradiated. It is *very* common to irradiate aquamarine, topaz, emerald, and diamond, as well as other stones. Irradiation treatment brings out color and removes imperfections. Some dealers don't even know if they are selling irradiated stones. Honest ones will tell you. If you can feel energy from gemstones -- it will be either very scattered or dead when a gemstone is irradiated.
· Dye: This is the most common treatment used. On clear stones, cracks often appear as darker areas of the stone. On others, sometimes there is a residue that rubs off -- or white patches. Almost all lapis and rose quartz are dyed. Amethyst and citrine are often dyed. Dyed stones are much weaker with the exception of black onyx which is dyed in normal processing.
· Coatings: Jasper is often dipped in petroleum products to bring out color and to seal it. Unfortunately, this makes it weaker. Sometimes you can tell by smell. Energetically, it feels dampened.
· Fake stones: Some dealers will try passing off fake stones instead of natural ones. There are fake stone equivalents for most gemstones on the market. Always ask what type of stone something is if you are not certain. Honest dealers will tell you. If a stone looks too perfect it may be fake, irradiated or dyed. Avoid laboratory products (also known as synthetics).