Sphene stone is a rare and beautiful gemstone that shines with many colors. It is also called titanite. People love it because it sparkles more than diamonds. But because it is rare, fake sphene stones exist. If you want to buy a real sphene stone, you need to be careful. This guide will help you understand how to check if a sphene stone is real or fake. 

What Makes Sphene Special?

Sphene is different from other gemstones because it has a special shine. When light passes through it, the stone shows many colors. This is called dispersion. Sphene has very high dispersion, which makes it shine in red, green, yellow, and orange colors. No other gemstone sparkles like sphene.

Why Do People Sell Fake Sphene Stones?

Since sphene is rare, some sellers try to sell fake stones that look like sphene. These fake stones are made of glass, plastic, or other minerals. Some sellers even heat or treat stones to make them look like sphene. This is why buyers must be careful when purchasing sphene.

How to Identify a Real Sphene Stone

1. Check the Sparkle

Real sphene has a rainbow-like sparkle. If you hold it under a light, you will see flashes of red, yellow, green, and orange. Fake sphene stones usually do not have this strong sparkle. Glass and plastic stones may shine, but they do not show many colors like real sphene.

2. Look at the Color

Sphene comes in different colors such as green, yellow, brown, and orange. The most valuable sphene stones are green or yellow-green. If you see a sphene stone in an unusual color, it might not be real.

3. Test the Hardness

Sphene is a soft gemstone. It has a hardness of 5 to 5.5 on the Mohs scale. This means it can get scratched easily. If a stone does not scratch easily, it might not be real sphene. You can test this by gently rubbing it with a material that has a similar hardness, like a knife or a steel nail.

4. Observe the Transparency

Real sphene stones are usually clear and transparent, but some may have small inclusions inside. If a stone is too clear without any inclusions, it might be fake. Real sphene often has tiny natural marks inside.

5. Check the Weight

Sphene is a heavy stone because it contains titanium. If you hold a real sphene stone, it should feel heavier than a glass or plastic stone of the same size. If a stone feels too light, it is probably not real sphene.

6. Use a Magnifying Glass

If you look at a real sphene stone with a magnifying glass, you will see natural inclusions inside. Fake stones made of glass or plastic usually do not have these natural inclusions.

7. Get a Certificate

If you are buying a sphene stone, ask for a certificate from a trusted gem lab. A certificate will confirm that the stone is real. Good gem labs include GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute).

Common Fake Sphene Stones

Many fake sphene stones are sold in the market. Here are some common ones:

• Glass Stones: Some fake sphene stones are made of glass. Glass stones are usually too smooth and do not have natural inclusions.

• Synthetic Titanite: Some sellers make artificial sphene stones in labs. These stones look real, but they are not natural.

• Citrine or Peridot: Some yellow or green citrine and peridot stones are sold as sphene, but they are different minerals.

• Cubic Zirconia: Some cubic zirconia stones are made to look like sphene, but they do not have the same dispersion or weight.

Where to Buy Real Sphene Stones

If you want to buy a real sphene stone, make sure you buy from a trusted jeweler. You can buy from gem shows, reputable online stores, or certified gem dealers. Always check reviews and ask for a certificate before buying.

Final Thoughts

Sphene is a rare and beautiful gemstone that shines with many colors. But because it is rare, some sellers try to sell fake sphene stones. If you want to buy real sphene, always check the sparkle, color, hardness, weight, and transparency. Use a magnifying glass and ask for a certificate from a trusted gem lab. Buying from a reputable jeweler will help you get a real and valuable sphene stone.

Now that you know how to spot a real sphene stone, you can buy with confidence and enjoy this amazing gemstone!